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Journal of Joseph Valpey, Jr. 



buj 0<^ Al^c^A if^t^O. oifoA/ CK^c/ i^^. CX^// rJ^J^CL 0^. .^/t^^ 

I 



From the entry for May 1, 1814. 



Journal of Joseph Valpey, Jr. 

of Salem 

November, 1813— April, 1815 

With other papers relating to his experience in 
Dartmoor Prison. 



MICHIGAN SOCIETY 

OF 

COLONIAL WARS 

1922 



Three hundred copies printed, of which this is No. ..9.1. 






8Sft¥ 171223 



PREPARED FOR PUBLICATIO>f 
BY THE 

BURTON HISTORICAL COLLECTION 
DETROIT PUBLIC LIBRARY 



Introduction 

To ONE whose ancestry goes back to those who went 
"down to the sea in ships," there is always a lure and a 
fascination about the sea and the old seaport towns, especially 
if the town be in old New England. Consequently those were 
interesting days spent last summer in the Essex Institute and 
Peabody Museum, Salem, searching through old ships' logs, 
time-worn newspapers, contemporaneous journals, books of 
shipping news and nautical history, to find material to supple- 
ment and form a background for this diary of a seafaring 
relative, one Joseph Valpey. The manuscript was given sev- 
eral years ago to the writer's father, Lewis Nelson Valpey, by 
his aunt, Mrs, Mehitable Valpey Atwill, of Arlington, Massa- 
chusetts, and after his death was purchased by Mr. C. M. 
Burton. L. N. Valpey's father, Joseph Hodges Valpey, once 
of Lynn, but for the last thirty years of his life a resident of 
Detroit, Michigan, was a namesake and nephew of the diarist. 

In the voluminous diary of William Bentley, pastor of the 
East Church, Salem, are to be found references to the Valpey 
family, with frequent allusions to their seemingly constant anxiety 
for fathers and sons at sea, for whom prayer was freqeuently 
requested of the church. 

On June 24, 1792, there was an entry in the register of the 
East Church of the baptism of Joseph Valpey, Jr., aged three days, 
son of Joseph and Mehitable Murray Valpey. A note in the diary 
of the same Pastor Bentley, who apparently recorded the minutest 
details in the lives of his parishioners, mentions the fact that the 
father was at sea at the time of this child's birth. Slight wonder 
that he, too, followed the seas. 

Joseph Valpey, Sr., is mentioned by Bowdoin B. Crownin- 
shield in his article, An account of the private armed ship "Amer- 



ica" of Salem, published in Volume 37 of the Historical Collections 
of the Essex Institute. The entry reads as follows : 

'"Nov. 24 at 7:30 A. M. saw a sail bearing S. W. by S. 
steering to the E. S. E. Made all necessary sail in chase. 

'At 9 A. M. brought her to and boarded her: she proved 
to be the British ship Hope from St. Thomas for Glasgow, 45 
days out, Gilbert Clemons master: Full Cargo: Sugar and 
Rum. He informed us that he had left the fleet 4 days before, 
consisting of thirty-two sail of merchantmen under the con- 
voy of the Ring Dove, Sloop of war.' This was the sort of 
dove-cote in which such a hawk as the America produced the 
wildest terror. Tut on board Joseph Valpey, prize master and 
twelve men : took several small articles and the prisoners from 
her and ordered her to America. Lat. 46° 35'.' 

The 'small articles' referred to usually included quadrant, 
spyglass, and samples of cargo and sometimes small arms and 
specie, but never the personal property of the prisoners." 

Acknowledgment is gratefully made to Miss Jennie Valpey 
and Mr. Fred Valpey of Lynn and Mrs. Annie Manwell of 
Arlington, Massachusetts, for information regarding family 
history and the loan of letters written by Joseph Valpey, Jr., 
and other historical data. Two of the letters are printed here ; 
the others were M-ritten home during his earlier voyages to 
Smyrna, Malta, and other eastern Mediterranean ports. They 
are all addressed to his parents and reveal a touching family 
affection and the longings of a homesick boy for home and 
loved ones. In one letter reference is made to the ravages of 
Napoleon Bonaparte's ships on the Mediterranean, and to the 
hazards of the deep in those troublous times. 

Joseph Valpey, Sr., was part owner of the privateer 
schooner "Herald" of New York, commanded by Capt. John 
Miller, which may have been one reason that his son, Joseph, 
shipped on that particular vessel after several other voyages 
on various merchant ships. It appears from one of the old 
letters which are herewith printed, that he reached his decision 



vu 



to board a privateer only after considerable hesitation and 
mental struggle, but having once made up his mind, he was 
eager to be off. 

The story of his sea experiences and of his life as a British 
prisoner of war are so vividly told by him in the following 
pages, that more need not be said by way of preface. The 
diary, however, leaves the reader wondering as to what came 
next. Old family records tell us that he died at sea, on his 
way home, on March 24, 1816, and was buried in Havana, 
Cuba. His diary came home to his sorrowing family in his 
sea chest with his other belongings. With all that it tells of 
his adventures and trying experiences on land and sea — experi- 
ences shared by many another homesick lad of those days — it 
is no wonder that the worn little volume was treasured by his 
family and handed down for coming generations to read. 
Detroit, April, 1923. E. G. V. 



The Travels and Sufferings of Joseph Valpey 

Jun% of Salem 



IT was on November ^® 2 1813 i ship'd on Board of the Letter 
of Marque Schooner Monkey of Boston, John H Glov[er] 
Master Bound to Charleston S C and from thence ... * We 
lay at Boston until the twenty fifth waiting [for] Freight and on 
the twenty sixth we dropped down to th[e] Castle and took in 
our Long Boat and got all Ready for Sea on the twenty seventh 
we weighed our anchor and proce[eded] out to sea with a pleas- 
ant Breeze from W N W but it ch[anged? We] put back 
for Marblehead where we Arived about four [in] the Afternoon 
it being on fry day we cleared up the d[eck. T] bought on 
ho [me] Saturday, it being very Cold [and the Win]d being to 
[the eas]tward and know[ing] that [we couldn't proceed] to sea 
we asked permission from our Captain [to go home] to which he 
refused to do replying that up [on a] favourable wind we should 
start in the afternoon. [Having received] his answer we made 
ourselves contented that night and [the] next morning it being 
pleasant we made ourselves [contente]d until after dinner when 
John Williams S Abbot [Wi]llis and myself took our Bags and 
Beding up on [deck] with the intention to leave the Monkey our 
Captain [per]ceiving this he enquiring what we was going to do, 
we Answered him that we was going to leave the schooner if [we 
c]oiild not have the Liberty to visit home then he gave [con] sent 



*The Journal of Joseph Valpey, Jr., came to the Burton Historical Collection 
unbound, a compact little book, which might easily have been slipped into the pocket 
of a greatcoat. Several of its leaves were quite badly torn, as will be seen from the 
frequent breaks in the narrative on this and following pages. The substance of the 
Journal was printed in the Boston Herald of March 9, 1902. This article has been 
mounted by a member of the family, in a booklet, on the first page of which, the 
same loving hand has copied the first page of the Journal, evidently before that page 
was so badly torn. By this means, several missing words have been supplied. To 
avoid the frequent repetition of the explanatory word "torn," omissions have been 
indicated bv dots. 



[ 2 ] 

that all that did belong to salem might go [but at t]he same time 
he wished that we would return early [next mor]ning to which we 
Con[sented] and then there being eight that did belong to salem 
we sat out for Salem it being about three p. m. where we Arived 
just before Dark, and early the next morning we returned back 
and cleared ship for getting under way but the wind hauling 
Round to the eastward we let all stand on Tuesday Morning 
there being a pleasant Breeze from the Westward we weighed 
our Anchor and proceeded for Cape Ann as that being a harbour 
that we could loo[k] into the bay we came to anchor about noon 
where We lay until fry day when about four in the morning the 
Breeze springing up from the N W our Captain Went on shore 
upon a large hill that stood Near the Sea side and seeing that 
the bay was clear of cruisers he returned on Board and gave 
the Joyful News for getting under way we weighed our Anchor 
and proceeded out with a pleasant Breeze at eight we sat the 
Squarsail and top gallant sail at half past one P M the Man at 
Masthead discovered a sail standing in the bay but we soon per- 
ceived her to be a British all hands was quickly called for to take 
in the Squarsail and top gallant sail as the wind by this time had 
hauled round to the N E and began for to snow and blowing 
very heavy and in taking in the Squarsail it split from head to 
clue but we soon had our little ship on the wind to the southward 
& eastward And our enemy in clost persuit of us with all Canvas 
crowded at four in the afternoon the Breeze Freshning we took 
one reef in the Mainsail at half past five we Carryed away our 
Main Boom which was the occasion of Breaking our second Mates 
Leg and Wounded J Williams [an]d myself sHghtly but not mind- 
ing our Slighty wounds we turned too and hauled in the Mainsail 
which was a towing alongside at six our fore gaft went which 
obliedged Us for to lower down the fore sail and we had but 
Just time enough for to stow away the foresail when the fore 
yard went into three peices which caused us for to furl the top- 
sail and our Jibbs being all the sail that we could set put our 
helm alea thinki[ng] that we could not Escape our enemy but at 
half past Seven as the Lord would have it our enemy passed us 
Within gun shot with all sail set but it snowing so thick and it 
being very dark they did not percei[ve] Us, the next Morning it 
being our Watch on deck after taking a stifif dram we proceeded 
for to clear away the fore yard which was left hanging all Night 
but it being very cold and snowing it was som[e] time before 
we cleared the wreck at eight the next Morning having got all 



[ 3 ] 

snug and the decks cleared up we Turned too for to fish the 
Main boom and fore gaft Which we compleated in three days 
and then taking Our squarsail boom for a fore yard we soon had 
our Little ship in ample order again but not for Carrying sail 
Nothing worth our Notice occurd Until the twenty- fourth Ins* 
when at day light the Man at Mast head discovered a sail on 
our Lea Bow but could not make her out at Nine she comi[n]g 
Up with us we perceived her to be an armed schooner Standing 
for us we then tacked ship and stood from her and the Breeze 
freshning and she coming up with Us very fast when at ^ past 
two in the afternoon we had the pleasure for to see his fore gaft 
carryed away which caused him for to give up the Chase & Re- 
lieve us from the hands of our enemy as we Supposed him to be, 
Nothing More until the twenty Ninth when to our great Joy we 
discovered Land it being about three in the afternoon we stood 
in for the Light house until six then seing no pilot Coming off 
we shortned sail and stood off and on Until daylight the next 
Morning when we Made All the sail that our crazy ship would 
carry & stood in for the Buoy's — it being now on the Thirtyeth 
at ten in the Morning we received A pilot on board and at one in 
the afternoon we came to anchor in the stream and at six we 
hauled in along side of the wharf and safe Moord our little 
barque after a long and tegeous passagfe] The next Morning we 
began for to discharge our Cargo which consisted of Fruit pota- 
toes hay hardware Glass &c with which we Cleared our little 
Barque of the next day when the Embargo was put on all Ships 
and vessels then laying within the ports of the United States 
which caused us for to lay idle until we could receive orders 
from home which was not until the fifteenth of February 1814 
When our captain received orders from home to dismantle our 
Schooner and discharge all Hands in striping our Masts we dis- 
covered that both of them was Sprung very badly on Monday 
the seventeenth at Nine in the Morning we all went up to the agents 
store and was paid ofif at the rate of twenty dollars per Month 
and then we repaird on Board and took Breakfast and at eleaven 
Myself with six of My Shipmates went up to the Rendervous 
and entered on Board of the privateer schooner Herald of New 
York John Miller Commander Bound on a cruise of four Months* 
and then i went down again and saw John Williams — S Abbot 
and B Willis Embark on Board of a Small packet for Wilminton 
N C and From thence to proceed home — since i have been Im- 



'See letter, page 20. 



[4 ] 

form[e]d that on there arival at Wilmington they purchased an 
old horse and Cart and arived safe at New York when there 
Horse died and then they Sold there cart and traveld for salem 
which they Compleated in fifty days on the Nineteenth Not 
wishing for to stay on shore any longer and eager to Get to sea 
again and try My luck i went on Board And Joined the ship's 
crew on sunday Morning it being on the twenty first at ten in the 
forenoon we weighed our Anchor and firing a salute of seven- 
teen guns and then proceeded down for Rebellion roads and there 
wait for a Wind where we lay until the twenty sixth in the 
Morning when our Captain and pilot came on Board and 
Gave orders for getting under way all Hands being amediately 
Called and with Joy and gladness in every heart we was soon 
Under way with the saucy Jack Privateer in company at 
three in the afternoon it came up squally we carryed away 
our fore Yard in the slings which caused us to put Back for 
Charleston at sundown it clearing off the Man at Mast head 
discovered a sail standing for the Land supposing her for to 
be the Dotterel a British Brig of War then on that station 
all hands was called to Quarters where We Stayed until day- 
light the next Morning as the night and rainy and we did not 
wish to be surpris[e]d by our Enemy We lay clost in under 
the Bar all night and the next Morning we began for to fire 
signal guns of distress for a Pilot at eleven A M we dispatched 
our second Lieutenant with six Men for to go on Board of the 
United States Schooner Nonsuch for a pilot but she returned 
and could not procure one we dost Reeft our Lower sails and 
kept in clost to the bar with a Continual firing of signal guns 
until dark at seven [in the] Morning we received a pilot on 
Board which con [ducted us] into Rebellion roads our Captain 
went directly up . . . and had a nother Yard Made which 
was finish [ed that] Day and towed along side then we swayed 
it . . . Rig'd it and sent it aloft and in a few ... all 
ready for sea again on the first day of [March] being a pleas- 
ant Breeze from the westward we weighed our anchor and 
proceeded to sea having on Board one Hundred and twenty 
Brisk young Men for to try our Luck and fortune on Board 
of the Herald of Eleven Carriage gun's at four in the after- 
noon the Man at Masthead discovered a sail all hands was 
called to Make sail in chase we soon came up with her she 
proved for to be a Spanish Brig from Havannah [bound] to 
Philidelphia the next day we Boarded an . . . schooner bound 



[ 5 ] 

to Boston Nothing- More . . , [until] the thirtyeth of 

March when the Man at [mast head] Discovered land it 
proved to be the . . . [Ma]deira vv^e ran dow^n a long shore 
under easy . . . next Morning we discovered a sail in shore 
. . . chase and soon came up with her she proved for to be an 
Portuguese brig from Madeira Bound to London after taking 
out two Casks of wine one Cable and some Letters and Bills 
of Exchange to the amount of three thousand dollars and 
getting the Imformation of an English Letter of Marque in 
Madeira Bound to London the first wind we permited them to 
proceed here we cruised for several day's but seeing no Letter 
of Marque we bore up for Cadis Nothing Material Occurd 
until the eighteenth of April when the Man at Mast head dis- 
covered a sail all hands was called for to Make sail in chase 
we soon came up with her she proved for to be the English 
Merchant Brig Signet with a cargo of wine and barley after 
taking our prisoners out we put a prize master and Crew on 
Board and ordered her for the United States on the twentyeth 
sail O again was the Cry of the Man at the Mast head all 
hands was called for to Make sail in chase after coming up 
with her she proved to be the English Merchant Brig Harriot 
in Ballast after taking out the Prisoners, Sails and provisions 
&c we burnt her there it appears that the Lord does favour us 
we steering away to the Eastward under easy sail until the 
twenty third we discovered a Brig Endeavoring to shun us if 
possible but we soon in a Cloud of Sail overhauled her She 
proved for to be the English Merchant Brig Place in Ballast 
after taking out the Prisoners, sails provisions and four twelve 
Pound Cannonades we burnt her that Evening We Boarded 
an Portuguese brig and put all of our Prisoners on Board and 
ordered her to Lisbon by the prisoners request early in the 
Morning on the twenty Eighth the Man at Mast head discov- 
ered a sail on Boarding her we found her to be the same Brig 
that we ordered for the United States on the Eighteenth Ins. 
the prize master in hope's of Making his fortune put back for 
Cadis but he was received on Board of the Privateer again 
and put in Confinement and one of our foremast Men was 
put on Board and ordered for the States then we bore up to 
the Northward and eastward and on the first day of May at 
daylight we discovered a large Ship and a brig it being Mod- 
erate all Hands was amediately Called for to out sweep's we 



Swept to windward of them and then Observing that they 
wished for to keep clear from us we in Sweeps and then went 
to breakfast after Breakfast all Hands was called to Quarters 
and sweeps again and hoisting our Coleurs and then all Hands 
with cheerful hearts turned too and by this time the Brig had 
displayed the Proud British flag and began for to play upon 
us with her Stearn Chaser's but we took no notice of her 
Shot but kept sweeping until the wind dying away and a 
Smooth sea And we did not think it prudent for to sweep along 

side not knowing what she was we took in our sweeps 

and Cleared away for Action there Shot still flying over us 
with British Glory we Spliced the Main Brace and then turned 
too with Coolness we had gave her but three broadsides when 
she gave us an Unlucky shot between wind and Water which 
Obliedged us for to haul off as there was six feet of Water in 
our hole and our Powder a Considerably damaged all hands 
then turned too our pumps and we stopt the Leak in a few 
Minuets our eneme was by this in a Crowd of sail Endeavour- 
ing to get clear of us but our Leak being stopt and we all 
Taking a Stiff Dram we went to our sweeps and sweept 
towards a Portuguese Brig who stood a Silent Spectator to our 
Unpleasant play we Boarded her and took out Several Boxes 
of Oranges and learnt by her that the Enemy was a Brig of 
war Mounting fourteen Guns and Ninty Men we took in our 
Boat and stowed her and then Opening the boxes we ate up 
all the Oranges and then went to our sweeps again like hardy 
tars and with a light breeze of wind we had the pleasure of 
Being along of him by dark when we began our play again 
and Continued it until ten at Night when it being very dark and 
we could not See her but when she discharged her guns we 
thought it best for to Leave of our play until daylight but 
not forgetting to give her our Long two and thirty every half 
hour until half past one in the Morning when it being our 
Second Lieutenant's watch on deck and he not having a good 
Lookout kept she Escaped Us the next Morning there being 
several sail in sight We gave Chase to the one who was Most 
suspected But she proved to be an Neutral then we Turned 
too for to Mend our sails and Riging and the Carpenters in Re- 
pairing the shot holes and as kind heavens would have it we 

had no Employment for the doctor Nothing More 

worth our Notice Until the eighteenth when the Man at the 



[ 7 ] 

Mast head discried a sail all hands was called to Make Sail in 
Chase at eleven in the forenoon we Came Up with her she 
proved to be an Irish Schooner With a Cargo of Provisions 
Bound to Lisbon after Taking out our prisoners we put a 
prize Master and Crew on Board and ordered her for the 
United States the next day we boarded a neutral vessel and 
put our prisoners on Board and wished them good Luck on 
the ninth at one P M the Man at the mast gave Us the Joyful 
cry of sail O but as the wind was Light We Made but little 
progress in coming up to her at five in the afternoon we dis- 
patched our Boat with the first Lieutenant and fourteen Men 
well arm'd for to see what She Might be at half past Nine the 
Boat Returned and gave us the Joyful Tidings that she was 
a Brig under Sweedish Colours with a British Cargo of dry 
goods and Jewlery from London Bound to Lisbon we lay by 
her until the Next Morning then taking out our Prisoner's 
we put a prize Master and Crew on Board of her and ordered 
them for the United States on the Eleventh we Boarded an 
Portuguese Brig and transported our prisoners of her nothing 
More worth our Notice until the eighteenth when at two P M 
as we was standing on the wind to the Southward and East- 
ward with a stiff Breeze we discovered a Brig Coming down 
upon us with Studding sails below & Aloft we called all 
hands to Quarters and we hoisted English Colours for to see 
what she was But she soon had the english flag displayed at 
her Main peak and began for to Make signals to Which Made 
us suspect that she was a Brig of War But that did not Daunt 
us for in a few Minuets we Was along side of him with our 
English Colours still display'd at our Main Gaft as soon as 
we was within hail of him we gave him a Broadside and 
hoisted our Yankey flag at the Main topmast head when he 
Returned us his Complyments by Giving us his Broad side 
which did us no material Injury but on our giving him two 
more Doses of our Yankey Pills he Was Obliedged for to 
strike his Colours we Dispatched our Boat amediately on 
Board of her which soon Returned Back and imformed us 
that she was his British Majesty Packet Little Catharine from 
falmouth Bound to the Brazils with dispatches but that they 
had Drowned there Mail and that she was a considerably cut 
in the Riging and hull and had one Man killed in the action 
we then Boated our Prisoners with there dunage on Board 



[ 8 ] 

of us, the Little Catharine Mounted ten carriage guns and 
thirty six Men she was a Beautiful New and Copper Bottom'd 
Brig and a very fast sailer by the New's paper's that we found 
in the prize it appears that the Brig that we fought on the 
first of May was the Sir Frances Freeland a British Packet 
Mounting fourteen gun's and had on Board at the Commence- 
ment of the action Ninty six Men but by our good and well 
directed shot we killed seventeen and wounded twenty five 
and set her on fire three Several times which they Extin- 
guished but she Having on Board two hundred and twenty 
Thousand of Dollars in specia it made them fight much harder 
then they would have done providing they had been in Ballast 
she was towed into falmouth by a Frigate four day's after the 
action where there Captain had a Sword presented to him 
valued at one hundred Guineas for fighting so Boldly and the 

Brig Was hauled up Unfit for any More Service after 

Receiving our prisoner on Board we put a Prize Master and 
Crew on Board and ordered her for to Lay by us until it 
Moderated so that we could Get out Provissions and Repair 
her Rigging at day Light the next Morning the Man at the 
Masthead Discovered a sail we gave chase to her with our 
prize in Company on coming up with her she proved for to 
be an Portuguese Brig we soon transported our prisoners' on 
Board of her and ordered her to Lisbon by the Prisoners 
request, the sea runing So high we could do nothing with our 

prize the Next Morning it Moderating we took two 

Brass nine pounder's and thirty Bushels of potatoes and then 
ordered her for the first port in the United States Nothing 
More occurd until the Ninth of June when the Man at Mast- 
head Gave us the Joyful Tiding that there was a Strang sail 
in sight all Hands was called for to Make sail in Chase and 
we having a Stiff Breeze we was a long side of her in a short 
time she proved for to be an Schooner Lender Russian Colours 
with a Cargo of Dry Goods and Brandy it being English Prop- 
erty we took our prisoners out and put a Prize Master and 
Crew on Board and ordered her for the first Port in the United 
States after taking out two Casks of Brandy the Man at Mast- 
head discovered Another sail we amediately ordered the Prize 
for to Make the best of her way in the Meantime we Called 
all Hands for to Make sail in Chase and then Taking a Stiff 
horn of Brandy both fore and aft We went to our Quarters 
for to see who this Large ship Might be it being dark we ran 



[ 9 ] 

up Alongside without knowing what she was and gave her a 
Broadside and finding she did not Return It We gave her two 
More Doses and then Dispatch'd our Boat on Board of her 
which soon Returned Back again and Imformed us that she was 
an Portuguese Ship in Ballast from Madeira Bound to Lisbon 
After a strict overhauling we permitted her to procede While 
we enjoyed another Drop of Brandy the Fruits of our Labour 
Nothing more Worth noticing Until the seventeenth of June 
when at daylight We discovered a Large schooner to Wind- 
ward of Us standing on the Wind as soon as they perceived 
us they Bore up we amediately called All hands to Quarters 
Expecting for to have a Dust with her she coming down upon 
us with all Sail set and a Beautiful Breeze and we perceived 
that he had the British flag displayd we Shortned Sail for to 
receive him as soon as he was within Gun shot we let him 
have a Broad side which cut away his topsail Halyards then 
he rounded too and we gave him two More Broadsides when 
he Doused his mainsail as he had his Colours Sewed on the 
Leach of his mainsail expecting for to frighten us but he 
found his Mistake we Amediately dispatched our Boat on 
Board of her which soon Returned back and Imformed us 
that she was the English Merchant schooner John from Bar- 
badoes Bound to Lisbon in Ballast and there Captain drinking 
too freely that Morning he thought himself on Board of A 
Frigate and he said to his Crew that he could take a Yanky 
Privateer without firing a gun but alas how soon the Case 
was altered for Myself with three More Went into his Cabin 
and draged him from his Cot and Tumbled him into the Boat 
without either hat Coat or Shoes on and Transported him on 
Board of the Privateer with the Remainder of his Crew then 
We onbent his Sails and sent them on Board of us then we 
set fire to her and Left her to the Mercy of the Waves and 
Flames our privateer by this time getting foul we thought it 
Most prudent for to Make the best of our way home on the 
twenty fifth we touched at Santa Crista for Water And Fresh 
provisions after receiving forty Hogsheads of Water sixty 
Bushels of potatoes six sheep and three Bullocks we took our 
departure on the Thirtyeth we Boarded a Portuguese ship 
from Lisbon Bound to the Brazils with provisions we took out 
thirty Barrels of Bread and one Barrel of hams we paid for 
them in the Bill of Exchange that we took out of the Portu- 
guese Brig but he Might as Well have had the Leaf of an 



[ 10 ] 

old Almanack as the Bill of Exchange, for there payment was 

stopt but as he thought himself well paid we had no 

Occasion to think hard nothing more until the fourth of July 
in the Morning it being Moderate and ver>' foggy we took 
in all sail for to Celebrate the day at Eleven in the forenoon 
all Hands was called for to Splice the Main Brace at Noon 
we fired a salute of seventeen guns and then we went to drink- 
ing the Remainder of the Day Nothing More occurd until the 
first of August when the Man at Masthead discovered a Sail all 
Hands was then called aft for to see if they was Willing for to 
go in chase but we being eager for to Improve our Oppertunity 
not knowing how Soon that we might have our Liberty taken 
from Us we Replied that we would see her by all means in a 
few Minuets we was in a Cloud of Sail but as the Wind was 
light we did not Reach her that Night, at daylight the next 
Morning she being About three miles dist^- from us we Man'd 
out our Boat with our First Lieutenant Myself and ten Men well 
arm'd for to see what she was on Boarding her she proved for to 
be an English Brig from Halifax Bound to the west India with 
A Cargo of Fish and Lumber after taking out the prisoners we 
put a prize Master and Crew and ordered her for the first port 
in the United States Nothing more worth our Noticeing here 
Until the ninth ins* when the Man at the Mast head discovered 
a sail all hands was Called for to Make sail in Chase at two in 
the Afternoon we got near enough for to see that she was a 
schooner at three the Wind freshening we Carryed away our 
fore gaft but we soon had it repaird and Renewed the Chase at 
four we gave him a Gun and hoisted English Colours but they 
refusing to show there Colours We ran up alongside of him and 
gave him three Broadsides for not showing his Colours we Dis- 
patched our Boat on Board of him and Conveyed there Captain 
on Board of us, on Enquiring the Reason of his not showing his 
Colours he replyd that he had two sets of Colours and he did Not 
know which one for to hoist he said That he was from Anaplis 
Nova Scotia bound to the West India with a Cargo of fish and 
Lumber after taking out the prisoners we put A prize Master 
and Crew on Board and ordered her for the first port in the 
United States We then kept on our Course in great hopes of 
getting on shore to our Native Land but alas our hopes was at 
an end for on the fifteenth of August at day light in the Morn- 
ing we discovered two Frigate's within three gun shots of Us 
we soon had all hands Up and crowded all sail but our enemy 
was in a Cloud of sail in a few Minuets and soon Comme[n]ced 



[ 11 ] 

firing with there Bow Chasers upon us but to no purpose until 
one of them out saiUng the other came up with us so that her 
Shot Reached us then we began for to play upon her with our 
stern Chasers until she came with in Musquet Shot then seing 
that we could not get Clear our Captain thus addrest us — Men 
younow See that we cannot get Clear of our enemy I hope that 
you will stick to your Quarters and if they give us but One gun 
after our Colours is doust we will run them Up again and fight 
until we sink a long side of them tlien giving our Noble Com- 
mander three Huzza's we ceased firing and doused our Colours 
to our great Mortification then we went below for to pack up 
our Dunage but we was soon Hurryed into the boats for the 
Enemy to take Command of the Herald of Seventeen Carriage 
guns we was carryed on Board of the Armied Frigate fifty four 
in Number of us and then one half was transported on Board of 
the Endymon Frigate they Man'd the privateer and ordered her 
for Halifax then the Frigates Stood in for Marthas Vinyard on 
the next day they Captured the Invincible Napoleon after a 
Cruise of sixty day's from Charleston Bound into New York 
but those fatal Devils (the English) put an end to there as well 
as our Carier that Evening they fell in with the Majestic razea 
Bound to the Chesapeak who ordered the two Frigates to Hali- 
fax where we arrived on the twenty second and on the twenty 
fourth we was Conveyed to prison on Melville Island* there i 
found Mr. Samuel Cook our first Mate When we left Boston in 
the Monkey W Edwards and several other Salem Men here i 
was Imformed of My Brother Samuels Death, and that all the 
Young people in salem w^as Married or Expected to be on the 
seventeeth of September Josiah Gwinn and William Gray re- 
ceived Letters from Salem There was one also came for Samuel 
Lambert but as he was put out in the first prize I took his Letter 
under my Care and thought that the Lord has not forgot Me if 
My Friends has for he has put a Letter into My hand's altho' it 
was not Sent to Me i took full as much pleasure in readin[g] it 
and if i should fall in with him it would Be a great satisfaction 
for him to hear from home on the twenty first of September the 
Crew of the Ida of Boston was Marched here, I Learnt by M*" 
Enos Knowlton of Salem that My Parents Brothers and Sister 
was in good Health when he Left home that was on the third of 
June and that My Brother George lived in Lynn this was the first 
time that i have heard From My Parents since i Left home it 
Being now Nine Months he also Imformed Me that those Let- 

*See letter, page 29. 



[ 12 ] 

ters that i sent on From Charleston S C all went safe home- 
here prisoners was coming in dayly while a Great Number paid 
the debt of Nature and went to there Long home we Made this 
our home Until the twenty seventh when two hundred and Fifty 
of us was transported on Board of the Akbar Frigate for Eng- 
land here we was confin'd in her hole where we could have no 
Light nor Enjoy the Wholesome air but in darkness we Was 
Obliedged to Lay both' Day and Night for We had not Highth 
enough for to set on our Back Sides but to eat Drink and sleep 
we Must Lay too it i had been in this Situation but a few day's 
with my Fellow Prisoners when I was taken dovv^n Sick with a 
Slow Fever and in the Course of one week there was fifty Seven 
taken down with the same Deseas and every day there was More 
or Less paid the debt of Nature no Tender Mother for to Nurse 
them no Friends nor Relation to Mourn for them and no ac- 
quaintance for to Shed Tears When my Messmates would come 
and tell Me that a Nother was Just Launched to there Watery 
Tomb I did certainly Expect for to be the next But it pleased 
the Lord that I should Recover My Health again on the twenty 
seventh we Discovered the Land and on the tvventy ninth We 
arived at Plymouth Eng'^- as soon as we came to Anchor i had 
the Privalige of Purchasing some Bread Butter and Milk and 
Fruit Which finly Reviv'd Me on the thirty first of October we 
was Landed in plymouth and Marched to dartmoor it being 
about sixteen Miles in the Country and the Roads Exceeding bad 
and the Most was Without shoes or stockings and the Soldiers 
pricking us up with there Bayonets thus we poor half Starv'd 
prisoners was Marched in the Rain from seven in the Morning 
until half past Eight in the Evening without having one Morsel 
to eat and cast into a dark Cold and Wet Prison without having 
where with all to eat or rest our weary Limbs upon thus we Was 
Locked up for to spend a Cold and disagreable Night in the 
Morning there Clerk Entered With a Band of soldiers for to 
take the highth's Complection's and where we was born and then 
turned us Into the Yard for to Receive hammocks beds and 
Blankets that was as full of Lice as the Devil is of Wickedness 
but howasever those did not frighten us after taking Breakfast 
I took a Walk round the Prison's and here i found our First 
prizes Crew that had been here three Months and I gave Samuel 
Lambert his Letter I also found here Confind in these prisons 
Four thousands and five Hundred American's for to Lement 
there dismal Situation and amongst them there was five hundred 
Salem Men this Was the first time that ever i found all Salem 



[ 13 ] 

together after dinner i thought on getting in to some prison for 
to hang up my Hammoc after walking round some time i took 
up my Lodgings in Number seven prison for to pass A Cold and 
tegeous Winter — Now i will give the discriptions of those pris- 
on's as Near as i can firstly — there is seven prison's that stands 
in a Circular form, each of them large enough for to Contain 
eighteen hundred Men, Number four or the Middle prison is for 
the Blacks in which there is Schools kept of all Descriptions 
such as Dancing Fencing Boxing and Music schools — Secondly — 
on the top of a Mountain where the Clouds ranges the ground 
these prison's are pitcht where it Must be on a very Clear day 
that we can see from one prison to the other, the First Month 
that I had the pleasure of being in these palaces we never had 
sight of the sun but three dififerent times and nothing but a con- 
tinual rain from the first of November to the first of January — 
Thirdly — these prison's is an Excllent school for all those that 
had Led an Irregular Life for all those that has been given to 
Drunkardness here before, they have time dayly for to Realise 
there past Conduct and to see the fruits of hard drinking for it 
Brings on all kinds of Bad Vices such as Idleness Lazyness 
Thieving and at Last the[y] Commit a Murder which puts an end 
to there Lives. Fourthly — to those that never knew the Value 
of Money will Learn by Living here how to be Saving and frugal 
for the time to Come, here they can see that some that has been 
saving and has had Money when they came into these prisons 
can with there scanty allowance and a Little Money Live very 
Comfortable, while those that had Money when they had there 
Liberty would stay on Shore Until every Cent was gone and then 
would be Obliedged for to put to sea again without a penny for 
to help them selves and then they would get Captured by there 
enemy and sent to this place and the first thing that they would 
do would be for to sell off what few Clothes they had and then 
they would be 'tempted by the help of the Devil for to steal from 
there Mess Mates and Fellow prisoner's and then there backs 
would be Brought to disgrace and there eyes open'd, then they 
would see wherein they had been wrong, thus we May see that 
a prison although it is a place of Confinment it is the best School 
that ever Man or Boy went into, if they will but give heade to 
what they hear and see — Fifthly a person in these prisons should 
take great Care of his health for in taking cold's it Creates a 
bad Cough and hoarsness and then if he goes into the Hospital 
he at first is put into a Cold Bath and then he is Bled as long as 
he has a drop of Blood in his Veins, I knew a Man that went into 



[ 14 ] 

the hospital with a Bad cold and he at the first Bleeding had 
two hundred and forty ounces of Blood taken from him, the 
doctors here Makes a practice of Bleeding a person as long as 
he has Breath to draw — 

Now i shall go on with My dayly Observations 

November the first i spent the day in Company with My 
acquaintanc and seeing the Fashons, On the second i finding 
Myself Very unwell' i kept My house and was Visited by 
Joseph Pitman of Salem 

On the third i remained in Much the same state of Health 
i was visited by several of My Acquaintanc wdio advised me 
for to see the Doctor On the fourth i perceiving My Cold 
Increasing I went into the Hospital for Advice from the Doc- 
tor he gave Me a dose of Phisic with Which i am in hope's 
for to get Relief 

On the fifth i found but Little Relief From my Phisic in 
the fore part of the day T took a Walk out for to see My 
Acquaintance in the after Noon it being wet i kept My house 

On the sixth i was visited by several Salem Men where i 
passed the day very Comfortably 

On the seventh i perceived My health Much recovered i 
made a visit into N° one prison 

On the eighth it being wet and Disagreable Weather i 
kept house and passed the [time] In Company with M"" Israel 
Phippen and William Ashton of Salem Mass 

On the Ninth I Made a tour over to Number one and three 
prison's and returned again At noon and kept house the 
remainder of the day 

On the tenth we had two hundred Fellow Prisoners arrive 
here from Chatham in which was the following Salem men 
R Wiggins W Abbott and John Beckford and John Fisher 

On the Eleventh i was visited by Joseph Pitman and William 
Garret and the Evening i passed in Company with J Phippen 

On the twelfth i made a tour over to Number three prison 
in Company With P W Pinder and E Perkins 

On the Thirteenth i kept House during the day and the 
Evening was passed in Company with Mr Felt and Daniel 
Very 

On the fourteenth i passed the Day in Writing and the 
Evening in Company With Josiah Gwinn and Joseph Millet 

On the fifteenth I Made a tour over to Number one and 
three prisons in Company with Samuel Lambert 



[ 15 ] 

On the sixteenth I was Visited by John Ingersol of Salem 

on the Seventeeth I passed the day and evening at home in 
company with E A Porter 

On the Eighteenth i Made a tour over to Number one 
prison with Josiah Gwinn in Company and in the evening i 
was Visited by M' William Ashton and W Richardson 

On the Ninteenth I passed the day in Company with Josiah 
Orne and J Snow 

On the Twentyeth I Made a tour Into Number four Prison 
for to see two Black Men Flog'd for Stealing from there Fellow 
Prisoners I passed the evening with John Phippen 

On the twenty first I Made a tour through Number Five prison 
for the first time and in the Evening i was favoured with the 
Company of Mrss Israel and John Phippen and Samuel Shepherd 

On the twenty second i Made a visit through Number one 
and three prison's in Company With Mrss Samuel and Charles 
Green of Salem 

On the twenty third i kept house and had Several of My 
Acquaintanc to Visit Me 

On the twenty fourth I passed the Day in Writing and the 
evening was spent in Company with E A Porter Samuel Archer 
And William Richardson of Salem 

On the twenty fifth I passed the fore part Of the day in Com- 
pany with Joseph Pitman in the afternoon we had a small draft 
of Eleven Men Arrive here from Plymouth, No Salem Men 

On the twenty sixth I passed the fore part of the day in 
Number four prison in Company With Nathaniel Silsby and 
Edward Gale 

On the twenty seventh i Made a Visit Into Number five prison 
in Company with Messrs Wigging and Upton and Nehemiah 
Butman 

On the twenty eighth I wore away the fore part of the day 
in writing and in the afternoon amongst My Friends in talking 
About the Salem Girls &c. 

On the twenty Ninth in the Morning I Made a Tour through 
All the prisons and in the Afternoon and Evening in Company 
with J Gwinn 

On the thirtyeth I Received a Visit from Samuel Lambert 
and Joseph Pitman and in the Evening I was in Company with 
S Archer 

December the first I kept My house and Wrote during the 
day and the Evening In Company with M' Felt of Salem 



[ 16 ] 

On the Second I took Breakfast With Messrs Niel and 
Strout and the Remainder of the day in Reading 

On the third I kept My house and was Visited by M"" 
Upton and the Evening was spent in Company with Samuel 
Shepherd 

On the fourth I went into Number four Prison for to see 
the Fashons and pass the time 

On the Fifth I was at the Trial of our Cook's during the 
day and late in the Evening the Jury Brought in there Verdict 
Guilty of Robbing there Fellow Prisoner's of there Small 
Allowance and Skimming the fat from of the Soup they was 
Sentenced for to Receive Eighteen Lashes each on there 
Naked back As an Example for others 

On the Sixth I paid a Visit to P W Finder and Elijah 
Perkins of Salem 

On the Seventh I kept My house and Was favoured with 
the Company of Daniel Very and the Evening in Company 
with John Phippen 

On the Eighth I Made a Visit into Number five prison 
and past a few hour's in Company with John Beckford of Salem 

On the Ninth I went to see two Young Boy's Flbged for 
Stealing a Pound Note From there Mess Mates they Received 
two Dozen each on there Naked Backs Not for Steahng, but 
for being Cought 

On the tenth I Made a tour through Number four prison 
for to pass a dull and Tegeous hour and the Evening in Com- 
pany with Samuel Shepherd and William Felt 

On the Eleventh I Made a Visit over to Number one and 
three prisons in Company with Josiah Orne and James Snow 

On the Twelfth I Avent into Number five prison for to see 
John Taylor Jun"" the Son of Captain John Taylor of New 
York Who had hung himself During the Night 

May the Lord be with him and the Devil Miss him 

On the thirteenth I kept My house and Was Visited by 
James Harrison and E Gale 

On the fourteenth I Made a Tour through all the prisons' 
for to pass a way the Tegeous time which goes heavily here 
In Confinement the Evening with W Ashton 

On the fifteenth I Made a Visit to Joseph Pitman and John 
Chadwick 

On the sixteenth I Made a Visit over to Number four for 
to see the Fashons 



[ 17 ] 

On the Seventeeth I kept My House and Received Com- 
pany as they Came 

On the Eighteenth I Made a tour through Number one 
three prisons' in Company with M'' Robertson and Josiah 
Orne of Salem 

On the Nineteeth I made a Tower through Number five 
Prison for to see My Acquaintanc 

On the twentyeth I kept My house and spent the day in 
writing and the Evening in Company with John Phippen 

On the twenty first I Made a Tour through Number four 
for to see the fashons and to hear the New's of the day of 
which we have a plenty of about this time 

On the twenty second I Made a Visit Into Number five 
prison in Company with John Beckford and Richard wiggins 
of Salem 

On the twenty third I kept My house after taking My 
Morning walk and Was visited by M"" Isreal Phippen of Salem 

On the twenty fourth I past the Day in Company with 
Joseph Pitman in talking about the pleasure's of Salem 

On the twenty fifth i past the day in writing and the 
Evening with M*" Eulin of Salem 

On the twenty sixth I Made a Tour through Number one 
three and five prisons for to See my Acquaintanc and hear the 
News 

On the twenty seventh I was visited by M'" Samuel Green 
and John Millet ' 

On the twenty eighth we had a Draft of four hundred and 
fifty arrive here from Halifax and the Cape of Good hope 
amongst them was the Crew of the General Putman Privateer 
of Salem Chiefly Salem men 

On the twenty Ninth i was in Company with William 
Boden of Salem 

On the thirtyeth I kept My house and Received Company 
as it came both*' good and bad 

On the thirty first I made a Visit Over to Number one and 
was Imformed that the Preliminaries of Peace was signd on 
the twenty fourth Ins*^ between the United States and Great 
Briton which was a Joyful News 

January the first 1815 we had the American flag display'd 
on each of the prison's and then with three hearty Huzzas 
We Congratulated each other and then we passt the day in 
talking of home 



I IH ] 

On the Second I kept My house and pass'd the day in 
writing &c &c &c 

On the third I was at the trial of William Shute for Stealing 
a Watch from One of his messmates the Jury after being Out 
for one hour Brought in there Virdict that the Prisoner was 
Guilty and Sentancet him to Receive thirty six Lashes on his 
Naked Back for to teach him better the Next time 

On the fourth I Made a Visit to Mr Samuel Shepherd and 
William Ashton and the Evening in Company with S Archer 

On the fifth I being a little Lame I kept My house and was 
Visited by a Number Of My acquaintance two Numerous to 
Mention. 

On the Sixth I was Visited by Joseph Pitman and P W Pinder 
who Imformed Me that My old Ship mate Daniel Appleton had 
departed this Life by the Small Pox 

On the seventh I Yet Remaining Lame I kept my house in 
the Afternoon We had a Small draft of thirty Men came Up 
from Plymouth Qiiefly Salem Men the Next that Comes will be 
Blind George the Cryer 

On the eighth I finding Myself Very Unwell I kept My Bed 
and Received no Company 

On the Ninth I Remained in Much the Same State of Illness — 

On the tenth I perceiving My Self A Little better I took My 
regular walk round the prisons in Company with E A Porter 

On the Eleventh I kept My house and was in Company with 
Joshua Strout 

On the twelfth in the afternoon One of the Missionar}' Min- 
isters Came into N*' four Prison for to preach to the Prisoners 

On the thirteenth the Court Sat on A Young Man for Steal- 
ing a Great Coat he Was Sentanced to Receive four Dozen of 
Lashes on his Naked Back but after Receiving twenty Six he 
fainted away which Caused him for to be Released for another 
Oppertunity 

On the fourteenth I Made a Tour through Number one three 
and five prison's for to See My Acquaintance 

On the fifteenth this Morning I Was Imformed that M*" 
Daniel Archer of Salem had departed this Life in the hospital 

On the Sixteenth I kept house and Was Visited by J Orene J 
Strout J Snow and Several others too Numerous to Mention 

On the seventeenth in the Morning I Made a Visit to N* 
four prison and the afternoon I went over to Number one prison 
for to see a fellow prisoner have two Large Letters put into his 
Cheeks for being a Traitor to his Country and damning the flag 



[ 19 ] 

On the Eighteenth after taking My Morning walk i was vis- 
ited by J Orne also a small draft arrived here from Plymouth 

On the Ninteeth In the fore part of the day I kept house 
and in the Afternoon I Made a Visit into N° four 

On the twentyeth I passed the day in Writing and the Even- 
ing in Company with D Very 

On the twenty first we had our Market Stopt on Account of 
three Men of this prison taking down the Window Shetters of N" 
Six prison and Making tables of them 

On the twenty second the Prisoner's of N° one three four & 
five Prison's Sent a Letter into our, or N° seven Prison, to Im- 
form Us that if we did Not deliver up those three Men to Capt 
Shortland that they would Come and take him by force but with- 
out waiting for an answer at two in the afternoon there was six- 
teen hundred Men assembled and Came into this prison and took 
the Men by force and delivered them up to Capt Shorland and 
the Cashot brought them Up 

On the twenty third we had our Market open'd and in the 
Afternoon I Made a Tour through N° one three & four prisons 
In Company with Josiah Gwinn of Salem and Several More of 
My Acquaintanc 

On the twenty fourth I kept My house and was Visited by 
Joseph Pitman 

On the twenty fifth I Made a Visit to Josiah Orne and James 
Snow 

On the twenty Sixth in My Morning Walk I was Imformed 
of the Death of M'" Daniel Very of Salem who Departed this 
Life Last Evening in the Hospital, In the Afternoon I received 
My Monthly Pay "of Six Shillings and Eight pence 

On the twenty Seventh I kept My house and was Visited by 
Joseph Millet 

On the twenty Eighth I past the day in Company with Josiah 
Gwinn & William Ashton 

On the twenty Ninth it being on Sunday i went into N» 
four Prison for to hear the Black Preacher and to My Great 
Surprise I saw Joseph Pitman on his Humble knee's Offering up 
his prayers to his Almighty God 

On the thirtyeth in the Afternoon I was Visited by P W 
Pinder who Imformed Me that James Snow and Joseph Pitman 
had been taken into the Black Society Likwise they had moved 
there Bags & hammocks into the Black Prison 

On the Thirtyeth first this Morning Josiah Gwinn went into 
the Hospital with the Small Pox and I am fearful that he Will 



[ 20 ] 

End his days in this place as the Small pox Rages Very Rapid, 
I was Imformed that Seven poor Souls Departed this Life Last 
Night 

February the First I kept house and Was Visited by Josiah 
Orne and WilUam Gray but Could hear Nothing from My Old 
Friend 

On the Second I Made a Tour through N° one three and 
four Prison's in Company with M'" Gray in the Afternoon the 
Doctors from the Hospital Made a Visit through all the 
prison's and desird all those that Never had the Small Pox 
for to be Noculated for to prevent this Infectious Disorder 
from Raging farther In the Afternoon I went into N° four 
Prison for to hear the Word of God Preached by a White 
Minister from Plymouth 

On the third Early in the Morning A Jury of Doctors came 
for to Examine the prison's and Found the air for to be Nine 
Degrees warmer on the Middle Deck than out of Doors and 
fifteen on the Upper Deck 

On the fourth this Morning I Received A Letter from the 
doctors assistant to Imform Me that My Old Friend Josiah 

Gwinn was very Low and dangerously Sick late in the 

Afternoon we had the prize Crew of the Privateer Brutus 
Arive here — one More Salem Man by the Name of Swaysey 

on the fifth in the Morning I Visited Josiah Orne and in 
the Afternoon I went to Meeting in Number four Prison In 
Company with Samuel Archer and James Harrison of Salem 

On the Sixth I took a tour through N° four Prison in 
Company with P W Pinder 

On the Seventh In My Morning Walk I was Imformed 
that M^ Robert Adams of our Privateer had departed this 
Life last Evening in the hospital — but nothing from J Gwin 

On the Eighth this Morning E A Porter went into the 
hospital from our Mess in the Afternoon I Received a Visit 
from Capt Josiah Orne of Salem 

on the Ninth in the fore part of the day I past in Reading 
in the afternoon to Meeting 

On the tenth I past the day in Writing and the Evening in 
Company with M"" John Phippen and W Ashton 

On the Eleventh I passed the fore part of the day in Com- 
pany with W" Gray in the afternoon I Received a Letter from 
M"" Edward A Porter who Inform's me that Josiah Gwinn is 
very dangerously Sick 



[ 21 ] 

On the twelfth early this Morning I Received a letter from 
M*" W" Young he Imforms me that Josiah Gwinn is past all 
hope's of Recovery Likwise desirded that if I wished for to 
have him Laid out decent for to have a Shirt and handkerchief 

sent in I Imediately sent him a White Shirt and hand- 

kerch[ief] 

On the thirteenth I passed the fore part of the day in Com- 
pany with M^ I phippen And M'" price in the Afternoon with 
J Pitman and James Snow of Salem 

On the fourteenth we had our Market stopt for Refusing to 
Deliver up the prize Master of the Vivid — he for Attempting for 
to Blow his Vessel up at Sea has been In Solitary Confinment 
for ten Months and Last Sunday he Made his Escape from the 
Cashot And came into our prison this Morning Capt" Shortland 
sent in a Letter to Imform us that If we did not give him up 
that he would stop the Market and all Intercourse with the other 

prison's to which we Refused to Comply With in the fore 

part of the day when the Lamp lighters came in for to trim there 
Lamps we Seized them and took there Oil from them and hove 
their Ladders over the Wall — soon after the Man that takes the 
filth out of the Prison Yards Came in with his Cart and two 
horses we Imediately Seized him and turned the horses out again 
—and then Sent a letter to Capt" Shortland to Inform him that 
there Should not be one Man go out Side of the Prison Walls 
to work for him — Early in the Afternoon he sent two hundred 
Soldiers for to turn us into the prisons they Were drawn up in 
a Line with Loaded Musquets and done there best for to get us 
in but all In vain they then Received a Reinforcment of four 
hundred More and drove us round the Prison's three or four 
times and then we told them that if they would take the Soldiers 
up to the gate and for to order arms and then we would go in 
peacably to which they Consent'd and after they had drawn there 
Soldiers away from the Prison doors, we had a Reinforcment 
of one thousand Men from our prison and then we told them 
that we would not go in until Night they then Ordered there 
Soldiers home and we Gave them three hearty cheers and kept 
the Liberty of the Yard until Sundown to the Great Mortification 
of the British officers & Soldier's 

On the fifteenth I past in writing but could hear Nothmg 
from My Friend M^ Gwinn 

On the sixteenth I past the day in Company with W"^ Gray 
at noon I received a Letter from M"- W"^ Young he Inform's me 
that my friend M"" Gwinn is little better 



[ 32 ] 

On the seventeenth in the afternoon I went for to see two of 
My Fellow Prisoners flog'd for Stealing they Received one dozen 
each on there Naked Back 

On the Eighteenth I past my Morning walk in Company with 
W™ Gray in the afternoon I was Im formed that My Friend M'' 
Gwinn has not seen out of his Eyes this fifteen days past 

On the Ninteenth I made a Visit into N° five Prison in Com- 
pany with P W Pinder in the afternoon we had a draft of Eighty 
Men arrive here 

On the twentyeth in the Morning we had Reported in the 
New's papers that the U S Frigate President was Captured In 
the afternoon I Received a Letter from M'" Young he Imform's 
me that My friend M"" Gwinn remains much the same only he 
has Lost his left Eye, in the Evening i past in writing 

On the twenty first I past the fore part of the day in Writing 
in the afternoon I made a tour through N" one three four and 
five Prisons 

on the twenty second at day light this Morning We had the 
American Flag display'd on Each of the Prisons in Memory of 
the Immortal Washington it being his birth day at noon i re- 
ceived the sad tidings of the Death of my Friend Josiah Gwinn 
Aged twenty two he died this Morning at Nine O clock after a 
Shocking and Painful Sickness of twenty three days 

On the twenty third I past the fore part of the day in Com- 
pany with Joseph Pitman and the afternoon in Company with 
John Phippen H Upton and M"" Eulin of Salem in the Evening 
the Jury was Called together for to try a Man for Stealing he 
was found Guilty and Sentanced him to receive one hundred of 
fifty Lashes on his Naked Back 

On the twenty fourth I past the fore part of the day in Read- 
ing in the afternoon I was Visited by Josiah Orne and John Phip- 
pen of Salem 

On the twenty fifth in the Morning I Made a Tour through 
N** one three & four Prison's in Company with W" Gray in the 
afternoon George Mansfield of Salem went into the hospital with 
the Small pox 

On the twenty Sixth it being on Sunday I went to Meeting in 
N° four Prison in the Evening I past in Reading — Time goes 
Tegeous. 

On the twenty Seventh I past the fore part of the day in 
Company with Joseph Millet and W™ Ashton 



[ 23 ] 

On the twenty Eighth in the fore part of the day i past in 
Company with P W Pinder and the afternoon in writing so ends 
February 

March th[e] 1 I past in Meditating on the Deaths of so many 
of My Fellow Prisoners 

on the Second at Noon Edward A Porter Came out of the 
hospital in the afternoon I went for to hear the Rev M'" Jones 
Preach in N° four Yard he is a White Preacher from Plymouth 
he Makes us a Visit Every thursday 

On the third I received My Monthly pay of six Shillings and 
eight pence in the afternoon we had one Hundred and fifty fel- 
low prisoners added to our Number There is at this present 
time Upwards of six Thousand Men here 

On the fourth I past the day in writing 

On the fifth in the forenoon I went to Meeting in the after- 
noon John Mack of Salem Made Me a visit and requested that 
i would let him have a suit of his Cousin's Clothes and I seeing 
that he was Quite destitute of Clothing I Let him have one 
Jacket & Trousers one Shirt and one pair of Stockings for which 
he promises Me that he will Satisfy his Uncle Gwinn on his Ari- 
val in Salem. 

On the Sixth I was visited by Josiah Orne in the afternoon i 
Made a tour through N° one three four and five prison's in Com- 
pany with W"* Gray 

On the Seventh I past the day in writing in the afternoon we 
had a draft of fifty American prisoners Arrive hear part of the 
U S Brig Syren Crew 

On the Eighth I past the day in writing in the afternoon I 
received a Short visit from P W Pinder 

On the Ninth I was Visited by Josiah Orne In the Afternoon 
I made a Tour through N° four Prison in Company with E A 
Porter and several other Salem men 

On the Tenth I past the day in writing and the Evening in 
Company with W" Ashton and S Sheppard 

On the Eleventh in the fore noon i was Visited by Josiah 
Orne in the afternoon i was visited by John Phippen we had the 
Accounts in to day's Paper of the defeat of the British army at 
New Orleans 

On the twelfth I past the day i Cannot tell My Readers how 
for the time goes much more Tegeous now then it did before 
we had the New's of Peace it is sixty Nine days since the favour- 
ite Sloop of war sailed for America with the dispatches — and no 
New's yet 



[ 24 ] 

On the thirteenth, altogether or Charity My Readers I pre- 
sume that some of you who never has been in Confinment may 
suppose that a prisoner of War cannot assist a person in dis- 
tress and that has there Sweet Liberty, but i will tell you to the 
Contrary for Last week one of the Assistance by the Name of 
Paul he had the Care of a Man that was derange'd in the hos- 
pital and Last Wednesday he called M"" Paul to his bed side 
for to speak with him and awhilst they was a talking this 
devils Bird Stabbed M'' Paul in the heart and a Nother young 
man Came to his assistance was served the same but M'" Paul 
died amediately and has Left a wife and several small Children 
to bemoan his sad fait — and to day it was proposed that we 
his remaining fellow priseners should on Next tuesday give 
the widow Paul the Money that should be laid out for our fish 
and potatoes which will amount to three hundred Dollars and 
for us to fast on that day 

M'' Paul was an American Born but Married in England 
and his Wife had followed him to A small Town hard by that 
she Might assist her husband to the Necessity of Life 

On the thirteenth in the fore Noon I was Visited by Josiah 
Orne and M'" Robertson in the afternoon I made a Visit to 
P W Pinder and Joseph Pitman 

On the fourteenth in the fore part of the day i past in reading 
in the afternoon i made a Visit to I Phippen it was reported this 
afternoon that the Favourite sloop of war had Arived but I put 
no confidence in it as we have had such Reports frequently for 
this some tim.e past but I hope that the time will soon come when 
I shall see us poor Lousy set going out of these Iron Gates and 
to Return to our Native home and once more Embrace our 
Blessed Liberty 

On the fifteenth in the fore part of the day i past in reading 
in the afternoon i was visited by Joseph Pitman who requested 
that I would lend him a Little Money until he got home I let 
him have four Dollars in the afternoon we had the accounts 
of the Favourite sloop of war arriving with dispatches from 
America the Contents is not yet made known 

On the sixteenth we had the American Flag display'd at 
sun rise it was on this Blessed morning that we had the news 
of peace for a Certainty and in the evening we had the prison's 
Illuminated for the Glorious News that we have Received 

On the seventeenth i was as ill Natured as the devil all day 
with the worst of pain Called the tooth Ache but wrongly 
Named 



[ 25 ] 

On the Eighteenth in the fore part of day i was visited by 
Sam' Green in the afternoon i made a visit into N° three prison 
to P W Pinder in Company with Joseph Pitman this morning 
we dispatched a Letter of to London to M"" Beasly the Agent 
for American Prisoners for to Inform him that it was Peace 
between the United States & Great Briton 

On the Ninteenth in the fore noon i was Visited by M"" 
Samuel Cook who Requested that I would let him have one 
Guinea until his arrival at home to which I Generously Did 
knowing that he was in want of it in the Evening we went to 
bed soon as I was up until daylight this Morning in Company 
with Isreal phippen on Buisinize of Importance 

On the twentyeth I was taken very ill and was Obliedged 
for to take to my bed, at Noon M^ I Phippen prepar'd a pot of 
strong wormwood Tea and Insisted of my taking it and in the 
Evening prepared Me the Second dose this afternoon there was 
forty Men Called out for to go to France for to Join some 
American ships 

On the twenty first i turned out inflicted with the tooth 
ache i went into the Receiving house with the Intent to have 
it taken out, but not liking the looks of the doctors mate i 
turned short round and came out and went into N° one prison 
and had three of my Jaw teeth taken out by a fellow prisoner 
this Evening i find myself very weak having had no appetite 
this weak past but i am in hopes to wear it of 

On the twenty second in the fore part of the day i was 
Visited by Samuel Cook and W™ Ashton at noon Edward A 
Porter Received a Letter from his Affectionate Mother in 
Salem dated Dec*" 14*** Last Evening W" Story a ship mate 
of Mine endeavoured for to make his Escape but was caught 
and Confind in the Cashot 

On the twenty third i past in writing and was visited by 
several of my Friends but could not Receive them I find my 
Health restord again 

On the twenty fourth in the fore part of the day i was 
visited by Samuel Shepherd and Isreal Phippen 

What must be the anxious feelings of our tender parents 

twenty fifth we have the accounts in to day's paper of 
Bonaparte's arriving into parris and King Lewis had made 
his Escape — at Noon we had the Effigy of M' Beasly hung 
and then Burnt for his kind attention to the American prison- 
ers of war 



[ 26 ] 

on the twenty sixth i past the fore part of the day in Com- 
pany with W" Gray and the Evening in Company with S Cook 
and I phippen On Anxiety of Mind Last Sunday Evening I 
did Certainly expect for to be out of these prisons before now 
but i am disappointed my hopes is all but Exhausted My 
patience is all gone but alas if we are anxious Thoughts of our 
parents Friends and Relations 

On the twenty Seventh in the fore part of the day i past 
in Reading in the afternoon in Company With George Felt 
and John Ingersoll of Salem 

On the twenty Eighth i past the fore part of the day in 
company with W" Gray in the afternoon I was Visited by 
Josiah Orne and Samuel Cook 

On the twenty Ninth i past the day in Reading and the 
Evening in Company with S Cook S Shepperd and Mr Eulin 
and I phippen 

On the thirtyeth I made a Tour through N" one and three 
prison's and the Evening i past in Company with Israel 
phippen and C Gotier 

On the thirty first i Received A Visit from J Orne and W" 
Gray and past the Evening with W" Ashton 

April the first presented it self with uncommon pleasant 
weather in the fore noon i Received a Visit from M'" Henry 
Allen who requested that 1 would let him have a few pounds as 
all the Officers of the privateer that he was Captured in was to be 
Detained and he wished for to make his Escape if possible But i 
could not make it Convenient at pressent as i having purchased 
several prize Tickets in the private Armed Schoone Herald of 
New York but i felt very Sorry that i could not assist him in the 
Evening i past in Company with Samuel Cook and S Shepherd 

On the second i past the day in reading & the evening in 
company with Edward A Porter 

On the third i received a Visit from Mr Josiah Orne and 
Peter Washington Pinder 

On the fourth this Morning there was twelve hundred 
Letters arived here from America Chiefly from Marblehead 
and Salem but none for Myself but i hope that it May please 
the almighty God for to spare me that i may once more see 
My parents and know the reason for there Slighting me so 
much as they have done since I left Salem 

On the fifth i past the fore part of the day in Writing in 
the afternoon in Company with W" Gray 



[ 27 ] 

On the sixth day of April as the prisoner of N" five and 
seven Prisons made a Small hole in the wall near the Barracks 
when Capf^ Shortland gave Orders for the Soldiers to fire in 
upon the Unarmed Prisoners and a Dreadful Massacree took 
place in the first place he sent the Turnkeys for to Lock three of 
the doors out of four so that Escape to the prison's was Impossi- 
ble and after we had got Mostly in at the Remaining door and 
those that was at the lower ends of the yard and "knew nothing 
of the Disturbance was mostly killed or wounded — in N° one and 
three where there was no offence given and without any provi- 
cation they fired and then Charged Bayonet Many were killed 
and wounded in this yard and to Compleat the scene of slaughter 
and death a Simeler' Scein took place in N° 4 Yard it appears 
that the Blacks were near the gates of there Yard Gamboling and 
not Mistrusting any harm when a dreadful fire from the top of 
the wall killed several and wounded many the Soldiers kept a 
Cross fire upon the only Remaining door that we had open — so 
that it was Impossible for any to Escape i have not yet Received 
the true list of the killed and wounded 

On the seventh as soon as it was dayhght i went round for 
to view the yards i found a Consider Blood in our yard and in 
N° four but not so much in N° one at 10 in the four noon i Re- 
ceived the List of the Killed and wounded, but thanks be to God 
there was but seven Killed and fifty wounded and the Most of 
them has lost there Legs or there arms and several Mortally 
wounded — I Cannot but help Remarking the fait of one Young 
Man — after he was wounded and Making the Best of his way 
for the prison five of the British Soldiers came up with him and 
and put there Musquets to his head and Blow'd his Brains out 
a gainst the wall 

on the Eighth i was visited by J Orne who imforms me that 
there is a Number of Prisoners Missing supposed to have been 
Massacred on the fi Ins and Buryed by the Soldiers 

on the Ninth i was Visited by J Orne and G Felt in the 
evening i past in Company with I Phippen and S Cook 

on the Tenth in the fore noon i was Visited by S Cook and 
W"* Ashton 

On the Eleventh i past the day in Writing but no Glad Tid- 
ings do we hear yet no prospect of ever seeing our native home 
again 

on the twelfth i past the fore part of the day in Company 
with W™ Abbot and Henry Upton and the Latter part in Medi- 
tating 



[ 28 ] 

On the thirteenth i past the day in writing 

On the Fourteenth i past the day in Reading 

On the fifteenth i past in Company with WilHam Gray and 
the Sixteenth it Being Sunday I past the day in Meditating on 
our unhappy Situation 

On the Seventeeth in the fore noon I was Visited by Josiah 
Orne and the afternoon by M"" Samuel Green and J Pickman of 
Salem 

On the Eighteenth I past in Reading 

On the Nineteeth O happy day hath though at length arrived 
our hearts Leap for Joy af the Glad tidings that we do hear — 
My Gentle Readers i will not keep you in Suspence any Longer 
for the News that we are Rejoiced at is that we had a Draft of 
two hundred and fifty Men taken from us for to Join a Cartel 
and proceed to there Native home and the Blessed Land of Lib- 
erty and once more Enjoy the Company of there tender wives 
and Children Parents and Relations but for our Sweet Hearts 
we can put no dependence in them any Longer than we are with 
them for there hearts is fickel and there Minds Changes as the 
wind. — 

On the twentyeth i past the fore part of the day in Company 
with E A Porter 

On the twenty first I past the day in writeing and Received 
Several Visits from My Acquaintanc too Numeras to Mention 

On the twenty second i past the day in Sorrow and vexation 
and Cursing those that is the Cause of our Confinment at this 
time 

On the twenty third i past in Reading Religious Books (at 
intervals ) 

on the twenty fourth we had a draft of four hundred and 
fifty men called out for to Join a Cartel — but my Patience is so 
much Exhausted and My health in a declining fast that i shall 
Endeavour for to purchase a Turn in the next Draft that goes 
from here 

On the twenty fifth after a Night of Sorrow and Vexation 
and never Closing my Eyes i Got up and took my Breakfast and 
then went and purchased a turn in the next Draft which is to be 
called out in the Morning 



[ 29 ] 

Letters loaned by Valpey family 

Affectionate Parents 1814 

Charleston S C Feb^ 16 

Dear parents I am very Sorry to Imform you that I am 
Oblidged for to Go on Board of a Privateer I was Dischardged 
on Monday the 14 Ins* and Yesterday I Entered on Board of 
the Schooner Herald of Nev^r York of tw^elve Guns and one 
Hundred and forty Men Joseph Miller Commander Bound on 
the Coast of England for a fore Months Cruise I have all My 
Wa[ges] Exchanged into Gold and put Safe around My Neck 
and if I Should Lose My Head My Money goes with it 

Williams abbot and Willis Left this port Last Evening 

for the Northward Expecting for to Reach Boston and with 
Me there is Gwinn — Lambert and Gray and Bertram of Salem 
I have a Good Station on Board and I Shall Go on Board 
this Evening and Sail the first Wind So Give My Love to 
Brothers and Sisters and Enquiring Frinds 

Yours &c 

Joseph Valpey Jr. 



Halifax Prison August ^^ 27 

1814 
Melvill Island 

Affectionate Parents 

I Embrace this Oppertunity by writing a few Lines to 
imform you of My safe Arival we was Captured on the 15^ 
by the Frigates Armied & Endymion after being at Sea Six 
Months from Charleston during the Cruise we Captured ten 
Sail seven we man'd out and three we Burnt I have been 
Imformed that there is two Arrived Safe into America but I 
shall Make My Self Contented until I have the Pleasure of 
Seeing You and Family Last Monday there was a Number of 
Hundred American Prisoners Sent to England there is Now 
five Hundred and fifty Prisoners here and I have not the 



[ 30 ] 

Least thoughts of being at Home until the Next Fall our 

Provisions here is as Good as a Prisoner Can Expect 

I have Heard of the Death of My Brother Samuel* by William 
Edwards of Salem but I Cannot Hear from you nor have Not 
since I Left you I have been Imformed Williams and Abbot 
did Get Safe home so Remember my Respects to my Brother 

and Sister and all Enquiring Friends 

So I Remain yours &c More 

Joseph Valpey Jr. 

P S Be sure and Write if you have an Oppertunity 



*Samuel Valpey served on the frigate. Constitution. On her return from tke 
victorious summer voyage of IS13. be was drafted for service on the Great Lakes 
where he died. 



[ 31 ] 

FROM DEATH« AREST NO AGE IS FREE* 

[DRAWING] 

Sacred 
to 

THE 

memory 
of 

WILLIAM PHIPPEN 

He sailed from Salem March 13^ and vvhas Drowned the 18**' 
A. D. 1823. from on board of the Schooner Union, James Harvey 
Master, Bound to the West Indias. 



Done by George Valpey Sunday May 2^ 1824. 



Sacred 

to the Memory of 

Josiah Gwinn who Died at 

Dartmoor Prison England 

on the 22 of Feb' 1815 A E 22 

[DRAWING] t 



SACRED 

to the Memory of 

Daniel Very who died at Dartmoor Prison England 

on the 24 of January 1815 

also 

M' Daniel Archer who died at 

Dartmoor Prison Elngland on the 14 

of January 1815 



'Pasted on the first recto following the Journal. The drawing is of a funeral 
urn bearing the initials, W. P., beside which is a weeping female figure. George 
Valpey was a brother of Joseph Valpey, Jr 

tA crude water color sketch of a hill at the foot of which is a grave with skull 
and cross-bones. 



[ 32 ] 



of Dartmore Prison 



1th 



of dartmore prison I'll tel all I can 
Describe the condition of ten thousand men 
there manner of pastime and how they all are 
discribe these fine Buildings and how we all fare 



2 

on top of a mountain those prisons does stand 
A place pich* on purpose for tormenting man 
Where Frenchmen and yankey's together must stay 
Until the war's o'er or else run away 



our manner of Living depend's very bad 

Not Grub half enough every Countanance sad 

Nor clothing sufficient to cover our skin 

And no more Indulgence we get from the King 



Our manner of pastime its hard to Explain 
But Keeno and dice is our principal game 
While some set at drinking together they sing 
Bad luck to the prison short life to the King 



Now place all together of what I relate 
And had I not Reason's for to god dam'n my fate 
But I bear it with patience and cheerfully sing 
Long life to our President and a curse on the King 



[ 33 ] 
The Fruits of Gambling's 



Come fellow prisoner's one and all 
To reason lend an ear 
To keep up Gambling as you do 
Your ruin'd men its Clear 



For reason first should Beasly* hear 
How we this money use'd 
He*^ say the prisoner's was to Blame 
they that the states abusd 



The money that's sent was for intent 
To help us in this place 
Instead of which you all must see 
It clothes you in disgrace 

*the Agent for Prisoner's 



For should you ask for any more 
as each man ought to do 
Then would your Injured Country say 
No money more for you 



For reason why when i advance 
To you this trifling sum 
You keep up gambling Night and day 
Which hurts you every one 



Yet a few it help's — a little while 
But mark his Latter end 
His Bank get's broke, his dunnage sold 
This Man's without a Friend 



I 34 ] 

7 
Then stealing next is there intent 
Which often time's you see 
Then be seized up like any dog 
And flogged he must be 

8 
This story's told when he gets home 
Unto his Friend's or wife 
This man's dispised by them — he Loved 
Therefore he cannot value Life 

9 

To now avoid those Ill's i'v stated 
From Gambhng now refrain 
Then you'll be helped and Respected 
Should you ever get home again 



The author on Viewing his fellow prisoners hunting 
for Lice and Fleas Composed the following 

1 

In Yallow dress from head to foot 
Just like a swarm of Bee's 
From Morn to Night you'll see a sight 
of Hunting lice and flea's 

2 

They skip and crawl most ravingly 
And pass from man to man 
If they could speak — you'd hear them say 
Now catch me if you can 

3 

The other Morn as I walked out 
To take the pleasant Air 
I saw a Louse whose Magnitude 
With Horror he made me stare 

4 

Old Traflfalgar he pind him fast 
And killed him for the Crime 
Saying Yesterday was your's my Louse 
But now the day is Mine 



[ 35 ] 

Suicide 

Last Evening John Taylor the son of Capt John Taylor of 
New York hung himself in Number five prison — - — ■ * 



A Song 

From court to clown from beau* to Clown 
I dare say each one know's it 
Our Grub's too small for one and all 
And our Yankey face's show it. 

Chorus 

Yankey dudle dudle due 

Yankey dodle dandy, 

We'' place'd upon a swindging mount 

And to the Moon Quite Handy 

2 
We'" plac"^ upon a Mountain top 
Next Neighbours to the Moon sir 
We Yankey tars next to the Stars 
Expect to get there soon sir 

3 

Then we*^ Learn luner's perfect head 
And assertain the true distance 
Should British tar's come to the stars 
We'll give them no Assistance 

4 
Should we be ordered down again 
And to a Cartel going 
Then folk's would stare i do declair 
And say the Lad's look's knowing 

5 

Then we shall tell them that we do 
Because we have lived high sir 
Had you been there I do declare 
A chance but you would have died 

•Cf. The Prisoners' memoirs, by Charles Andrews, 1852 ed. (pp. 73-78). 



[ 36 ] 

6 
For cold and hungry — Naked too 
Each tar was all but Dying 
'till Ruben Beasly 'tother day 
He thought he"^ stop our Crying 

7 
But if our Congress hear's the fact 
Of our great mighty Income 
Then they will stare all with dispair 
And say it was a too small sum 

8 
Then they'll curse Beasly in a Clinch 
And call him a dam'n Villen 
I'd do so too and so ought you 
For it ought to have been one Shilling 

9 
However lads we'll see it out 
Three Coppers come's quite handy O 
They'll get a pint of Beer my Boy's 
For Yankey dudle dandy O 



Where smiling peace and plenty dwell 
And health with Jocund glee 
No Conjuror one would think could tell 
Why war's and strife could be 

Valpey 



A Song 



A dew to the shore's of Columbia 

Though distant I still you adore 

My prospect at present looks gloomy 
And I fear i shall see you no more 



[ 37 ] 

3 

My fortitude its all but Exhausted 
I sigh and Lement hut's in vain 
My Country i fear has forgot me 
And i doubt if I see you again 

3 

Twelve Month's now I'v Languish'd in prison 
Each moment seem'd a twelve month for me 
Columbia awake from your Slumber's 
We prisoner's are awaiting for thee 

4 
Expecting each day some glad tiding 
But nothing alas do we hear 
To languish and die in this prison 
Is my doom from above i much fear 

5 

Fond hope's keep's me still in Existence 
But misery makes me dispair 
Oh Heaven's pray issue an order 
And say to the states now tell us prepare 

6 

Oh Bless* be that day should it happen 
My soul in what raptures would be 
I'd fly with the wing's of Impatience 
Till Columbia i landed on thee. 



[Here is copied "An Oration delivered on the Fourth of July 1814 on 
Board of the Nassau prison ship by an American Prisoner of War" 
which has already been printed in A Journal of a young man of Massa- 
chusetts by Benjamin Waterhouse, 2d ed., 1816 (pp. 121-123). It is fol- 
lowed by a copy of a "Poem wrote by Thomas Sturtevant Jun' of the 
25 Regim' of the United States Infantry during his imprisonment at 
Melville's [Island] Nova Scotia in 1813." This has been printed in The 
Diary of Benjamin F. Palmer, privateersman, published by the Acorn 
Club, 1914 (pp. 227-239).] 



[ 38 ] 

New Year Song 

Dartmore Prison January *** 1 1815 

The new year commences and nature sweet smiling 

Salutes the blith nymph and the braw rustic swain 

With prospects of pleasure the moments beguiling 

And still the bound prisoner must unnoticed Remain 

While round the rich Table the wine bumper's flowing 

Enliven's each guest with new graces adorning 

While hope cheer's the bosom with raptures all glowing 

The war broken sailor and soldier must mourn 

Behold the gay ball room adorn'd with mock Roses 

Where Venus presiding bear's absolute sway 

Where love her ten Thousand allurments diffuses 

Where hosts of young cupids incessantly play 

Where Notes of sweet music hail Cyntha arisen 

And Hearts all Enchanted with tenderness burn 

Shut out from enjoyments Lock'd up in a prison 

The war Broken Sailor and Soldier must mourn 

How fortune delusive her favour's disperses 

How vain our fond hope's of her Bounty Appear 's 

While Thousand's enjoy her new sorrow Commence's 

xA.nd naked and needy we hail the new Year 

O soon may sweet peace her niild lucid Blessing 

O soon may the morn of Freedom return 

Hail Freedom and peace Joy's alone worth possessing 

O Come and the Prisoner no longer shall mourn 



Love 

Dearest Eliza what is Love? a dream 

A passion often unrequested 

An idle poets lilting theme 

A thing with which we are delighted 



[ 39 ] 

A Song 

Compos'd by Thomas Sturtevant Jun^ 
Whilst a prisoner in Quebec August 1818* 

1th 

Adieu dear land where first I drew 
The sweets of Bliss surrounding 
Where neither pain nor Grief I new 
But alway's peace Abounding 
With eager wish those Groves I Trace 
And bar'd from there Returning 
And sigh to meet that Lovely face 
For which each hour I'm burning 

gth 

Green be thy plain's Columbia dear 
And Green thy Lofty Mountain's 
Sweet roses every Valey cheer 
Where glow's the purling Fountain's 
While worn with Grief my heart endure [s] 
Sharp pang's and wild Commotion 
And till dispair each hope obscure [s] 
As tempests cloud's the Ocean 

3th 

Dear to my soul are those lov'd form 

For which each hour I'm sighing 

No healing balm my Bosom cheer's 

Or save's my hope from dying 

Dear Lydia still my heart is your's 

The' distance doth devide us 

On you dear girl while life endur's 

I will doat tho' Ill's betide us 

A prisoner poor cut of in fight 

Confin'd from all enjoyment 

Doom'd through each dismal day and night 

And live without employment 

On Board a ship Moor'd off Quebec 

By Centinals Surrounded 

My home My Bed the prison deck 

My heart with anguish wounded 



*Cf. The Diary of Benjamin F. Palmer, privateersman. 1914 (pp. S«7-268, «««). 



[ 40 ] 

But soon I hope for sweet release 

In realm's of splendid Glory 

In scene's of Love in Bowers of peace 

Where glow's the blest aurora 

There i shall meet my kindred friends 

And gain Immortal Treasure 

Where war Terrific never end's 

In Interrupted pleasure 



A Poem 

Composed by Joseph Valpey Jun*" during his 
Imprisonment at Dartmoor in 1814 

Come young people and now attend 

To what i'm going to write 

Its to your lives i'd have you amend 

And not your Creator for to slight 

And yet so long he has spared me 

For to live in this vain world 

And tossed up both too and fro 

And through this life for to be hurld 

Its i myself a prisoner Lay 

Confin'd in a prison strong 

From friends and Relation's far away 

I was forced wither right or wrong 

And it was there i lay bewailing 

On my unhappy state 

With many a bitter ailing 

Yet no remedy could make 

At dark when i to my bed did go 

For to pass the tegeous Night 

I would lay and think with bitter woe 

How i did my Maker slight 



[ 41 ] 

As I one Morn was walking 

For to take the pleasant air 

Two young men i heard a talking 

It made me stop and for to stare 

They were talking of a Lovly Bloom 

Who in salem town did dwell 

Who by cold Death was call'd to the Tomb 

It appeard to shock them as they it told 

I stepped up unto them 

For to ask who this might be 

They told me it was the lovly Hannah 

That good and lovly she 

Ah is the lovly Maiden gone 

So soon after i left My home 

I left her in the bloom of Life 

For to struggle through this world of strife 

O happy Maid thrice happy be 

How soon after we shall follow thee 

We no not when nor how soon 

We shall be called to the silent Tomb 

Fathers Mothers Sisters too 

Brothers and Relations has bade us adue 

And there they must lay with Closed eyes 

Until the Lord bids them arise 

Now i hope by this you may warning take 

And no more Sabbath day's to Break 

That we may all in tune be found 

Like David's harp of solemn sound 

Now May the Lord some pity take 

On us poor prisoner's in this state 

And move us to the happy shore 

And live in peace forever more 

Now i think its time to end my song 

light is out and darkness comes on 

that soon some pleasure may find 

.... the race of humane kind 

Finis 



[ 43 ] 

The Old Woman 

Returning home the other night later than Usual I found an old 
woman at a door where she Seemed Unable to gain admittance — 
Madam said I — May I ask the reason of your Coming home so 
Late— I have been to take Care of a Sick person but as I have 
Already been up two nights they are afraid. . .shall fall asleep 
and sent me a way — . . .have let you sleep in the house where 
you Was Employd — T feared that I should . . . Troublesome, at 
my age sir we are not ... but in Cases of the Most Urgent Need 
. .\ Old Woman had Just Quitted . . . You here Yet — Cried he, 
your . . . You again, I beg you will return . . . Woman returned, 
I saw that she. . .destitute of imformation — She was highly, . . 
That the sick person had sent for her again I went with her in 

order to have a little more talk with . . . Women said she 

to me are Men's Nurses . . . They are often praised but 

never Sufficiently Valued When a Man See's a Woman what 

ought he t . . . In her his Nurse his Guardian 

his Mistress his Wife his Unceasing Friend 

his Co tenderness but in Woman ... but in old 

Woman Young . . . stantly occupied in taking Care of . . . 

— but as for Me when I am Employd . . .the sick I have an Eye 
to Every thing . . . fear that the want of Sleep will weigh My 
Eyelids down Make Me become pale or Even Indispos'd, A sick 

person never Constrains him self with an old Woman 

I felt that this woman knew Exceedingly well The Utility of her 
age, still the door was Unopend ... I knocked but no Answer was 

Made — at th that the ... in distress — the being that 

gave him his first Life — that afforded him his first food — who 
is the Creator and prompter of every pleasure he Enjoys during 
his Life — and who's tender attention can alleviate the dreadful! 

pang's of approaching dissolution Young she is beautiful — 

old she is Good — . . .one greatful word overpay's her — Old 
Women are fitt for a Number of things that Young one's are 
Incapable of performing — Either from Ignorance or Because 
they will not take the trouble — T wish that Society knew better 
how to Value and Re Good old Lady's 



[ 43 ] 

American Tar* 

Composd in dartmoor Prison England 

1th 

You son's of Columbia that now ploughs the Ocean 
Come listen a while and i'll sing you a Song 
Concerning the Eagle the American Standard 
And Composed by a Sailor in a prison so Strong 

2th 

In dartmoor prison you son's of Commotion 
(I f ]ear we are all doomed to the horror's of war 
[Bu]t our prowd Bird the Eagle is sweeping the Ocean 
And claiming the rights of American tars 

8 

[Our] Eagle at home in the forest sat Amusing 
With her eyes like the hawk she discovered afar 
It was the British proud nation to drive from the Ocean 
the Sons of Columbia the American tar 

4 

so when she took wing on the sea Coast a hovering 
her Eyes full of vengence and Bright as the Stars 
She said to her heroes Commanding her Navy 
Go — defind all the rights of American Tar's 

5 

On the salt briney ocean our Eagle is a hovering 
Directed by Neptune Assisted by Mars 
Our Brave Constitution with fix't Ressolution 
Conimenc'd all the rights of American tars 

6 

Our banners displayd on the ocean are flying 
Decator and Hull wear the Stripes and the Stars 
When the Battle of Champlain was won by M'^Donald 
then England acknowledged the American tars 

7 
our Peacock and wasp are attached to the Eagle 
With Death in there Mouths breath Distress afar 
While the Reindeer and avon are sent to old davy 
Must acknowledg the valour of American tars 



*C£. The Dairy of Benjamin F. Palmer, privateer sman, 1»14 (pp. 189-870). 



[ 44 ] 

8 

but our seamen Empressed in a Prison they are [dying] 
Saying beat foe's from our Coast drive your Enemies afar 
You ave ever Established for the American tar 

9 

but our bull dog's are Loose and roaring like Thunder 
Destruction and Vengence flies under those stars 
So give up those Seamen that you have Impressed 
And say you have Injured the American Tars 



The Disconsolate Sailor 

1 

When my Money was all gone that i gaind in the wars 
and the world 'gan to frown on my fate 
What matter'd my Zeal or my honoured Scar's 
when indifference stood at each Gate 

2 
the face that would smile when my purse was well lind 
Shew'd a different Aspect to Me 
and when that i could nought but Ingratitude find 
I hi'd once again to the Sea 

3 

I thought it unwise to repine at My Lot 
or to bear the Cold looks on the Shore 
So I pack'd up the trifling remains I'd got 
And a trifling alas was my Store 

4 

a handkerchief held all the treasures i had 
Which over My Shoulder i threw 
Away then I trudg'd with a heart rather sad 
to Join some Jolly Ship's Crew 

5 

the Sea was less troubled by far then My Mind 
for when the wide Main I Survey'd 
I could not helping the world was unkind 
And fortune a Slippery Jade 



[ 45 ] 



And i vowed if once more i could take her in tow 
I'd let the ungreatful one see 

that the turbulent winds and the billows could show 
More kindness than they did to ME 



By Joseph Valpey Jun*" During His Imprisonment 
At Dartmoor, Devenshire, England March *"•* 10 — 1815 

1 

I tel thee sweet Girl could I time retrieve 

and could again begin to Love and Live 

to you i would My earlyest off-rings give 

I know my Eye's would Lead my heart to you 

And I should all my oaths and vows renew 

And to be plain I never would be true 

2 

For by our weak and weary truth i find 
Love hates to center in a point assignd 
But run's with Joy the Circle of the Mind 
Then never let us chain what should be free 
But for relief either sex agree 
But women loves to Change and so do we 



A Song by the Same 

1 

I've known what 'tis to face a foe 
Where death has laid his hundred's Low 
What 'tis fatigues to undergo 

that might appall our Nature 
Yet never was a truth more clear 
that man's in danger — Least in fear 
Who's heart can shed a generous tear 

to relieve a fellow prisoner 



[ 46 ] 

2 

I've seen stout hearts of whom one wave 

has in a moment made a Grave 

Who's lives not all the World Could save 

then things affect our Nature 
But not so much as when the heart 
Some ray of Comfort to Impart 
Swells up a generous tear to Start 

to relieve a fellow prisoner 



A Song 

the Author when he was Expecting daly for to get 
Released from his Imprisonment Compos'd the following 

J Valpey Jr 

The heavy hour is almost past 
That part my Love and Me 
My Longing eyes may hope at Last 
There only hope to see 

But how my Lydia will you meet 
The man you've Lost so long 
Will love in all your pulses beat 
And tremble on your Tongue 

Will you in Every Look declair 
Your heart is still the same 
And heal each Idle anxious care 
Our fears in absence fraim 

Thus Lydia thus i paint the scene 
When shortly we shall meet 
And try what yet remain's between 
Of Loit'ring time to Cheat 

But if the dream that sooths my mind 
Shall false and Groundless prove 
If I am doom'd at Length to find 
You have forgot to Love 



[ 4Y ] 

All i of Venus ask is this 
No more to Let us Join 
But grant me here the flattering Bliss 
To live and think you no more mine 
Finis 



The Sharks of Dartmoor 

Compos'd by a American prisoner of War in 
Dartmoor Prison England March *•* 15 — 1815 



Come all ye fellow prisoner's attend to what i say 
the Presidents Ratification arrived Yesterday 
Prepare yourselves for Marching to Prison bid adieu 
To shortland and his Turnkey's and all his cursed crew 

2 

We'll bid adieu to dartmoor there Potatoes Coal and Turf 
There barley Bread and Turnips and dam'n Doctors stuff 
There codfish and herrin no more of that we'll use 
But leave it behind for Doctors clerks Turnkey's & Jews 

3 

We have done with your Messing out' or will have very soon 
The prison then you may inspect three time's in the forenoon 
Your Marketing then you may stop your Porter and small Beer 
And your Poison Rum and Viteral that has killed hundred's here 

4 

Grant us but one small favour then before that we do part 
Do not discharge the Turnkey's but use them in your cart 
The Doctors too you will also keep the prison's for to Qean 
And have then all in readiness for Spaniards French or Dean's 



[ 48 ] 

5 

Your doctors you can well Employ as you shall Quickly find 
In washing of the Lousy bed and beding left behind 
The turnkey's Louse the Blankets' the hammocks next unshng 
The clerks shall mark tham all a new' when turnkey's home do 
bring 

6 

Ye cursed tribe of dartmoor attention pray now give 

You know when Yankey Tar's are gone you Cannot cannot live 

for Murder then you will commit and robberies also 

Until like Convict's you are sent to Botany bay must go 

7 
Make no delay but send us of I tell you for your good 
That we may once return again and Bring you back some food 
Not you alone but many to keep' you from a Starvation 
for Yankey's they have allway's fed your proud Infernal Nation 

8 
Our President has sent for us' so do not us detain 
For fear that he should war declare & Your honour blast again 
Do not Blockade the ports of France of Holland or of Spain 
For fear the Wasp and Constitution should visit you again 

9 
I pray you'll give attention and strive to learn my song 
as it will be of use to you when Yankey tars are gone 
It will remind you of your Living the like you ne'er had before 
Nor never will again till we return to Dartmoor 

10 
No never then shall we return' itts mark now what I say 
Until Columbia flag no more shall triumph on the sea's 
But until then free Trade' and Sailors righth shall wear 
And our Gallant Independence the saucy flag shall Bear 

11 

I hope that you will attend on some appointed day 

And pay respect to Yankey's before we go away 

You know it your duty you cannot well deny 

So mind and pull your hats off when Yankey's shall pass [by] 



[ 49 ] 

12 

Fare well yon sharks of dartmoor the day at length arrives 
Behold the Yankey's marching with tears all in your eyes 
Adieu my loving Countrymen that behind the wall's do lay 
But your scotch and Irish Doctors no more of us shall slay 

13 

The happy day will soon arive to sail for Freedoms shore 
With six thousand hearty fellow's I think there is no more 
The high Lands of Neversink they now appear in sight 
The Narrow's next we pass' where we Anchor for all Night 

14 
Next morning we'll get under way and next our Yards do man 
, . .Cheer those sons of Liberty before that we do land 
[Th]en free Trade and Sailors then every Tongue shall cry 
[Wh]ile at our foremast head the very flag shall wear 

(Finis) 



Sacred to the Memory of Josiah Gwinn 

Go spotless honour and unsullied Truth 
Go smilling Inocence and Blooming youth 
Go Male sweetness Join'd in Manly sence 
Go winning wit that never gave offence 
Go soft humanity that Blest the poor 
Go saint eye'd patience from afflicktions door 
Go Modesty which never gave a frown 
Go Virtue and receive thy heavenly Crown 
Not from a stranger came this heart felt verse 
Thy Friend inscribes thy Tomb Where tears 
Bedewd thy hearse 

by Joseph Valpey Ju' 



[ 50 ] 

British Massacree 

the following is a list of the Men who were so Inhumanly Mur- 
dered on the ever to be Remembered ^^B day of April 1815 



Killed 

Prisons 

N*» 1 John Mann 

No 4 John Haywood 

" Thomas Jackson 

N® 5 John Washington 

" William Leverige 

" Joseph Johnson 

" George Cambell 



Wounded | 

I 

No 1 John Gray left arm amputated 
" John Ogleby in the left hip 

Stephen Phillips Left thy and Belly 

N® 3 Edward Gardner in the wrist 

" James Bell in the wrist and thy 

" Phillip Ford in the side Brest and arm 

" Fames Trumbull left arm Amputated 

Edward Whittlebank in the Back 

" William Blake several places in the Body 

" Caleb Codders two places in the leg 

" Thomas Smith left leg amputated 

N° 4 John Robberls in the Thigh 

" Peter Wilson in the hand 

" James Isreal in the thigh 

" Jacob Davis in the thigh 

" William Penn in the Belly 

" Robert Little left thigh amputated 

" Joseph Busah in the thigh 

" Robbert Willei left thigh amputated 



•Cf. The Prisoners' memoirs, by Charles Andrews for "a correct list of killed atid 
wounded on the 6th of April, 1815. . .contains a true statement of their condition at 
18 o'clock on the 8th day of the same month," 1852 cd. (pp. 100-103); also the offi- 
cial report of the American agent, R. G. Bcasley, in American state papers [Galet 
and Seaton ed.] Foreign relations, x. 4, 1834 (pp. 33-54). 



[ 51 ] 

N° 5 Thomas Finley in the thigh 

" William Appleby in the arm 

" John Leach in the thigh 

" Andrew Garrison Head and hand ^ 

" John Giar left leg amputated 

" William Lane in the Kye 

" Pain Penny in the Shoulder 

No 7 James Willis in the arm and two places in the Body 

" Henry Mountcalm in the Knee 

" Frederic Howard in the leg 

" Edward Lincoln in the thigh 

" Francis Mitchel in the arm 

" Michal Cannors in the arm 

a Number more was slightly wounded and Several Missing. 



[ 62 ] 



A List of the Names of the American prisoners who Died in the 
hospital dartmoor England* 



N«me 

A 

Adigo henry 




Date 




Vea»eli' Name* 


Place of Retidence 


Dec. 


23. 


1813 


U. S. Brig. Argus 


Howisburg 


Alamanza Amos 


Sep. 


24, 


1814 


President 


Carthagina 


Adams Jno 


Nov- 


6, 


t( 


Grey hound 


Washington N C 


Allen Asy 


« 


14, 


(( 


Herald 


New Bedford 


Allen John 


a 


21, 


l( 


Herald 


New York 


Andrews Josiah 


<( 


22 


(i 


David Porter 


Ipswich Mass 


Adams John 


Deer. 


th3 


it 


do 


Unknown 


Anderson Alcxan^ 


<i 


29 


(i 


Criterion 


New York 


[torn] 


Feb. 


thS 


1815 


Herald 
[Grand] Turk 


Unknown 

Salem 

Portsmouth 


Appleton Daniel 


Tan. 


4 


1815 


Frolick 


Ipswich Mass 


Amos Peter 


Feb. 


18 


(( 


Napolean 


Vinyard 


B 

Barron Thomas 


Nov. 


3 


1813 


Argus 


Virginia 


Blanchard Nich»- 


May 


thS 


(( 


Armied 


Unknown 


Bryant Louis 


Novl> 


3 


1814 


Hawk 


North Carolme 


Bray Ezikiah 


(C 


20 


(t 


Ida 


Boston 


Butman John 


C( 


23 


a 


died suddenly in the priscn 


Benn William 


<( 


27 


<c 


Indipendence 


Virginia 


Berry Peter 


<( 


28 


(( 


Chapine[?l 


Baltimore 


Burley Henry 


Deer 


2 


c< 


Ampressive [?] 


New York 


Baldwinn Jno 


. 


5 


Ci 


Fox 


Boston 


Barrett Jason 


- 


8 


(C 


Buisy 


pensylvania 


Barber henry 


. 


25 


i< 


Grey Hound 


Virginia 


Booth James 


. 


29 


cc 


Victory 


New Hamphery 


[torn] bb Benjamin 


Jan 


29 1815 




New York 


Blasdell Wm 


Jan 


10 


cc 


Impressed 


Portsmouth N h 


Beak Wm 


. 


19 


cc 


taken at fort Erie 


do 


Brady Wm 


<c 


20 


cc 


Harlequin 


LeeNH 


Berry George 


Feb 


14 


C( 


Piker 


Baltimore 


Brown Charles 


« 


17 


cc 


Paul Jones 


unknown 


Bayley Moses 


cc 


17 


cc 


Scorpion 


Philadelphia 


Butter John 


({ 


23 


cc 


Simerma 


Deleware 


Blew John 


Jan 


1 


1813 


Frolick 


providence 


Blazed Phillip 


ti 


10 


cc 




New hamps[hire] 


C 

Cornish Charles 


« 


10 


1813 


Chesapeak 


Baltimore 


Cole James 


Apr 


20 


cc 


Unknown 


Wiscasset 


Cook Benj 


« 


6 


cc 


Chesapeak 


Baltimore 


Collins Jno 


Oct 


7 




Mamouth 


unknown 


Carney Jno 


cc 


16 


1813 


Flash 


Virginia 


Chandler simon 


n 


25 


cc 


Essex 


Duxbury 


Coleman Wm 


Nov 


5 


1814 


Hawk 


N. Carolina 



•Cf. The Prisoners' memoirs, by Charles Andrews for similar lists: "of the 
prisoners who died at Dartmoor from April 1813 until the 18th February, 1815; 
copied from the reports of the Doctor," (pp. 144-149) and "a correct list of names 
of prisoners who died at Dartmoor prison, from February 18, 1816, until April 20, 
1815," (pp. 149-151). 



[ 53 ] 



Name 




Date 




Veael-, Name 


Place of Reudence 


Cooper Thos. 


<( 


8 


<t 


Flora 


Rhode Island 


Cool John 


(( 


26 




Adeline 


Baltimore 


Coffee John 


Dec 


4 


(( 




Long Island 


Campeachy C 


Jan 


19 


(( 


President 


Carthagina 


Clark simon 


a 


24 


a 


Snap Dragon 


New England 


Clarke Wm 


Jul 


10 


1813 


Unknown 




Carter Wm 


Oct 


5 


1814 


Zephyr 


New York 


D 

Dalton Wm 


May 


10 


(( 


Argus 


Georgia 


Donouer Wm 


Nov 


12 


1813 


Syren 


Massachusetts 


Denham Silus 


Nov 


14 


1814 


Ida 


Boston 


Daltram (?] Amo 


a 


18 


ii 


Ida 


New Bedford 


Diamond Wm 


Jan 


23 


1815 


Mary 


Rhode Island 


Dagger Thomas 


Mar 


14 


1814 


Argus 


Mass 


E 

Edsad Wm 


Jan 


27 


>( 


Hepsa 


New Jersey 


Earens Edward 


C( 


6 


1815 


North star 




F 

Freely Henry 




20 


1814 


Impressed 


Pensylvania 


Fullford Ibsr 


«( 


27 


1814 


Snap Dragon 


N. Carolina 


Furnal Wm 


a 


23 


a 


Harper 


Portsmouth 


Fowler Jeshua 


Dec 


30 


a 


Impressed 


Boston 


G 

Goselin Tho» 


Apr 


29 


C( 


Augustine 


Martinique 


Gibson Wm 


Oct 


22 


a 


Rattle Snake 


New York 


Gardner Francis 


Nov 


4 




Rambler 


Rhode Isla[ndl 


Gailon Jno 


Dec 


3 




America 


N. Carolina 


Gudman Franc 


Feby 


17 


1815 


Bunkerhill 


Portsmouth 


Gwinn Josiah 


ti 


22 


(C 


Herald 


Salem 


Greeves Thos 


ii 


27 


a 


Portershan [?] 


Boston 


H 

Hughes Richa 


ti 


5 


1814 


Amiable 


New York 


Harris simen 


March 5 


1814 


Madalem (?1 


New York 


Henry Jason 


July 


d3 


(( 


Argus killed fighting N York 


Heart Jos 


C( 


8 


« 


Courier 


New York 


Herman Isaac 


Nov 


9 


<( 


Elbridge Gerry 


Portland 


Hetrope Jas 


<( 


4 


a 


Mary 


Cambridge 


Harris Wm 




24 






Portsmouth N H 


Hyder Dempsey 


Dec 


24 


a 


Paul Jones 


N Carolina 


Hendy Jacob 


Feb 


5 


a 


Impressed 


Milford Cont 


Hartford Elias 


Jan 


6 


1815 


Soldier 




Hadison silas 


Dec 


4 


1814 


Hawk 


N. Carolina 


Holden Francis 


Feb 


24 


« 


Rattle snake 


Virginia 


J 

Jones Thomas 


Jun 


6 


1813 


Impressed 




Joseph Peter 


Feb 


26 


1815 


President 


Martinico 


Jackson Thomas 


June 


5 


1813 


Hybias 


New York 


Johnson Elisha 


Nov 


2 


Ci 


William 


Charleston 


Joseph Emanuel 


a 


25 


1814 


Impressed 


Oporto 1?| 



[ 54 ] 



N«me 




Date 




VeneVt Name 


Place of Re«idence 


^ ohnson Jno 


Feb 


1 


1814 


Criterion 


New York 


Jones John 


6t 


8 


1815 


President 


St Thomas 


Jenkins Edward 


ii 


21 


6i 


Tom 


Cambridge 


. ones Jacob 


C( 


23 


ti 


Impressed 


Maryland 


. aires Thomai 


jan 


24 


1814 


Industry 


Marblehead 


Jenkins John 


Feb 


24 


(( 


Hawke 


Gay head 


K 

King Uriah 


« 


3 


(i 


Dominica 


Scituate mass 


Knapp James 


(( 


27 


1815 


President 




L 

Lester Jason 


Jan 


1 


1813 


Mars 


Baltimore 


Lewis Jno 


Aug 


^ 


ii 


Yankev 


Rhode Island 


Larkin Lewis 


Sep 


30 


(( 


Rolla 


Darham N H 


Lovely Pr 


Nov 


1 


1814 


Hawk 


Washington N C 


Lovel Joseph 


(( 


.1 


<i 


President 


Martinico 


Lamb Anthony 


(( 


22 


i6 


Grand Turk 


Connecticut 


Larkin Amos 


Jan 


27 


1814 


Empressed 


Beverly Mass 


Lufkey Jas 


Feb 


4 


(( 


Enterprize 


Marble head 


Lee Richard 


Dec 


30 




Alevant 


Portland 


Leopatch Jno 


Feb 


9 




ann 


Mass 


M 

Moor henry 


Jan 


14 


1814 


Mermaid 


New York 


Montgomery Jno 


Feb 


24 


1813 




New York 


Martin Daniel 


Sep 


22 


C< 


Paul Jones 


New Orleans 


Mcdoza Charles 


Oct 


th27 


1814 


President 


Cathergina 


Merry Jno 


Nov 


18 


ii 


Rattle snake 


Baltimore 


Mesler Richard 


Nov 


20 


ii 


Snap Dragon 


Unknown 


Martial Saul 


ti 


20 


1814 


Alexander 


Mass 


Mitchel Jno 


Jany 


12 


1815 


Charlotte 




Mudge Joseph 


Dec 


30 


1814 


Unknown 




Morrison VVm 


a 


14 


tc 


Impressed 


Baltimore 


Martin Jno 


<t 


17 


ii 


President 


Cathergena 


Menter Charles 


Feb 


27 


a 


Merchant 


Portugal 


Miller Edward 


(( 


23 


1815 


Mamouth 


New York 


Marchens Jesse 


it 


3 


(( 


McDonough 


Kenebunk 


N 

Norton Edward 


Nov 


29 


1814 


Frolick 


weymouth 


Nash Daniel 


Feb 


14 


li 






P 

Pierce Sam I 


Mar 


12 




Dart 


Rhode Island 


Pinkham Ephra 


Sept 


2'; 


1814 


Mamouth 


VViscassett 


Potters Jno 


Oct 


5 


a 


Impressed 


Philidelphia 


Potters G I 


{( 


7 


ti 


Enterprize 


Salem 


Perkins Jas 


Nov 


3 


cc 


Syren 


Pitsfield 


Palmer Jno 


6i 


17 


<( 


Frolick 


Portsmouth 


Pollard George 


(< 


23 


(C 


Ida 


Salem 


Paroga Jos 


<( 


24 


<4 


Ida 


Boston 


Parker Wm 


U 


28 


C( 


Independence 


Virginia 


Peters Aaron 


Jan 


30 


(( 


Joel Barlow 


Thomas town 


Porter Charles 


(( 


14 


(( 










Peterson Sam' 


Dec 


9 


a 


Nonsuch 


philidelphia 



[ 55 ] 



Name 

R 

Renew Benja 




Data 




VcMel't N«in< 


Place o( Rcudeoc* 


Nov 


16 


<c 


Fox 


Guadaloupe 


Rodgers Luke 


<( 


12 


ii 


Fairy 


N Carolina 


Reed David 


Nov 


14 


1814 


America 


towns end 


Robertson frank 


Feb 


7 


(( 


Chesapeak 


Spain 


Rice Thomas 


<( 


15 


(( 


Salvador 


Suffolk 


Robertson Sam' 


(( 


15 


1815 




Boston 


s 

Saunders Wm 


Jan 


16 


i 4 


Mars 


Baltimore 


Shaw Wm 


Oct 


17 


1814 


Argus 


Philidelphia 


Saul frances 


C( 


20 


it 


Mercury 


WIscasset 


Sawyer Jed 


(( 


25 


it 


Impressed 


Providence 


Studdy Richa 


Nov 


3 


Ci 


Amelia 


Virginia 


Simpson Isaac 


Dec 


20 


66 


Invincible 


New York 


Stow Lewis 


it 


21 


ii 


Tickler 


New York 


Smart Wm 


a 


5 


<i 


Gothland 


Virginia 


Sew Jacob 


a 


7 


(( 


Volunteer 


New York 


Steel [?] John 


ti 


15 


1814 


William 


Ireland 


Sheldon Henry 


Jan 


24 


(( 






Scudding Sa. (?) 


«( 


19 


(6 


Siro 


Portland 


Strout J no 


i( 


20 


C6 


Harlequin 


Kenebunk 


Stow Jno 


Jan 


5 


1815 


E 




Sinamon Dan 


(( 


23 


16 


Enterprlzc 


Salem 


Smith Nichol 


Dec 


8 


1814 


Herald 


Richmond Va 


Sutton Martin 


Feb 


22 


1815 


Lyon 


New Bedford 


Simmon Ebcnf 

T 
Terry Wm 


Jan 


20 


(C 





Bar 


Feb 


15 


1813 


Viper 


Unknown 


Tobby Elijah 


Mar 


9 


1814 


Yankey 


New York 


Thomas Uriah 


Jul 


23 




Paul Jones 


Connecticut 


Timmon M.: 


Feb 


26 


1813 


Tom 


New York 


Tom as John 


Oct 


25 


1813 


Lion 





Tuttle Francis 


Nov 


24 


1814 


E Gerry 


N York 


Tailor J B 


Dec 


2 


« 


hung himself in No 


. 5 prison) N York 


Tophouse Sam 


Feb 


13 


1813 


Soldier 




Thomas Henry 


C« 


24 


1815 


Clarence 


Sloughton 


Tomkins K 

V 
Vaughn K 


Nov 


13 


1814 


Unknown 




Aug 


31 


(( 




Long Island 


Very Daniel 


Jan 


24 


1815 


Frolick 


Salem 


Virgis James 

W 

Williams Tho 


a 


8 


(( 


Growler 


Marblehead 


Marc 


h20 


1813 


Maria 


Georgetown 


Williams Jas 


Oct 


27 


1814 


Impressed 


Gay head 


Williams Jas 


Feb 


1 


1815 


Carolina 





Whithan Jno 


Jan 


14 


<( 


Harlequin 


Portsmouth 


Wert George 

Y 
Young Wm 


fit 


28 


1815 


Harlequin 


Portsmouth 


c< 


21 


i< 


Levant 





from the 1 of March 1815 to the first of April following died in the hospital with 
the Small poi about seventy Americans prisoner of war whose Names is not here 
Inserted 



The 
Description of Dartmoor Prison Devonshire 

and the 
British Massacre on the sixth of April A.D. 1815 

by a 
Prisoner of War. 



[ 58 ] 

DARTMOOR DEPOT is situated in the county of Devon- 
shire* and lies about 15 miles N E of plymouth and 26 miles 
W N W of exeter the capital town, its appearance and Situation is 
most unpleasant and disagreeable imaginable, the country around 
as far as the eye extends is one uneven barren and dreary waste, 
not a tree Shrub or scarce a plant is seen for many miles around, 
here and there appears a miserable thatched Cottage whose out- 
ward appearance bespeaks the misery and poverty within, here 
no cheering prospect greets the prisoners eye, bountiful nature 
here denies all her sweets and seems to simpathize with the un- 
happy Prisoner the loss of every joy that renders life worth 
preserving, the climate here is rather unhealthy, the prisoners 
here are almost allways afflicted with colds and severe pains dur- 
ing 9 months in the year, owing most probably to its height, it 
being upwards of 1700 feet above the surface of the sea, this 
Depot consists of 7 Prisons each calculated to contain from 11 
to 1,500 men who are under the care of an agent, appointed by 
and under the controle of the transport board, here are stationed 
as gaurds upwards of 2000 well disaplined malitia & 2 companies 
of royal Artilary, the Prisons are all strong built of stone and are 
surrounded with 2 circular walls, the outward wall measures one 
mile in circumferance and on the inner wall is a milatary walk 
for Centinels, within this wall distance about 20 feet are. Iron 
pallisadees about 10 feet high, adjoining the outward wall are 
gaurd houses placed N. E. and South there are 3 sepperate gards 
which communicates with each other through the passage of 
about 150 feet long & 20 broad gaurded on each side by Iron 
bars, over which and fronting N° 4 is a milatary walk for centi- 
nals, oposite the passage is the market square in passing into 
either yard you pass through 2 Iron gates so that all communica- 
tion may be stopped at pleasure, which is often done to annoy 
and vex the Prisoners, in the first yard there contains three pris- 
ons N° 1. 2. 3 N** 1 & 3 are only occupied by the American 
Prisoners, and N° 2 stands empty, in the other yard N° 5 & 7 
also are occupied, and N** 6 stands empty, and N^ 4 for the blacks, 
the inside of the prisons presents a melancholy and disagreeable 
aspect and one would imagine they were calculated for cattle 
rather then the human species, North of no, 1 between the inner 
wall and Iron railing, stands the condemned Prison, this is a 



*Thi9 account of the Dartmoor massacre, copied by another hand at the close of 
Joseph Valpey's Journal, was evidently used by Edgar S. Maclay in his History of 
American privateers, (1899 ed., p. 367). It has not been found printed in any of the 
books on this subject which are available for consultation. 



[ 59 ] 

place of punishment for various ofifencies commited by individ- 
uals, four persons having been condemned by the government to 
suffer imprisonment during the war, for attempting to blow a 
Prize up, this Prison is calculated to contain 60 persons who are 
allowed a blanket & straw instead of their ordinary bedding, 
their daily allowance is considerably reduced, a small apperture 
near the roof admits the light fronting N° 1 yard is a wall seperat- 
ing it from the Hospital, and fronting the other yard is another 
wall seperating it from the inner barracks, the market which fronts 
the passage leading from one prison to the other, is nearly square, 
and will contain nearly 5000 persons, and is allowed to be opened 
every day except Sundays at eleven oclock and closed at one, and 
is productive of no small profits to the country people, at the uper 
part of the square, are two stone houses, one for Kings and the 
other for Prisoners stores, the other buildings attatched to this 
depot are houses for turnkeys and clarks, one for the agent and 
one for the Doctor; to enter either of the Prisons yards from 
without, you must pass through 5 gates, fronting the outer gate 
is a reservoir of water, which is brought the Distance of 6 miles 
by means of a canal which supplies the differant yards with 
water; the Hospital is under the superintendance of a Physician 
who has 3 assistant Doctors, George Magrath the present super- 
intendant, is a gentleman of Eminance and skill in his profession, 
and will ever be remembered by the American Prisoners, with 
esteem and respect, the sick have uniformly received from him 
every attention that delicacy and humanity could dictate, at this 
time there are 5600 prisoners in this depot, nearly one half of 
whom are men who have been imprest in his majesties service 
prior to the war, many hardships have been suffered by the Pris- 
oners more especially in the year 1813 which was exceeding cold 
and severe, although excessively cold and many of the Prisoners 
almost naked, no fire was allowed, nor cloathing served to pro- 
tect their shivering limbs and half famished bodies from the 
inclemency of the weather, it must be observed that the prisoners 
at that time received no assistance from their Government and 
many of them had been rob'd or plundered of their cloathmg 
whereby by the time winter commenced were little short of 
nakedness in april following they received from their inex- 
orable agent M'". Beasly a suit of cloathing and 3>^ p*". Day, 
which sum tho' small was a great relief, the prisoners on many 
occasions have received very injurious and harsh treatment from 
the Governor of the Depot, having allways endeavored to curtail 



[ 60 ] 

them of the smallest liberty or indulgence, the recent Massacre 
which took place by his order ought forever to stamp the name 
of Thomas George Shortland with cowardice, Barbarity Infamy 
& disgrace, his name will never be mentioned by a single Amer- 
ican Prisoner but with sentiments of detestation horror and 

contempt 

On the 6*^ day of April 1815 as a small party of prisoners 
were amusing themselves at a game of ball, some one of the num- 
ber striking it with too much violence it went over the wall front- 
ing the prison the Centinals on the opposite side of the same were 
requested to heave the ball back, but refused, on which the party 
threataned to brake through and regain the ball and immediatly 
put their threats in execution, a hole was made in the wall suffi- 
ciently large enough for a man to pass through, but no one at- 
temped it, soon after the alarm bell rung and the milatary beat 
to arms the prisoners surprised at the alarm run into the Passage 
opposite the market, when appeared Captain Shortland at the 
head of about 500 of the Malitia, the front rank of whom were 
ordered to fire, and soon after the rear done the same, with con- 
siderable execution and persued the Prisoners to the yards, the 
Scenes of barbarity and horror which were witness'd on this 
Day are indiscribable, 9 were killed and 38 were wounded, six of 
whom lost their legs and arms, and many others severely 
wounded; a man by name John Washington being wounded and 
overtaken by the milatary begged for his life but those Ruffians 
deaf to the voice of pity, deliberatly pointed their muskets within 
six inches of his head and blew his brains out, a young lad aged 
fourteen was run through the body by an officer of the milatary, 
many other instances of the most savage barbarity took place 
on this fatal day scarce a single person that was thus persecuted 

knew the cause thereof : Captain Shortland endeavours 

to justify his conduct by saying the prisoners were attempting 
to break out so far from that being the case the prisoners were 
in momentary expectation of being drafted on board Cartels, and 
had the prison gates been thrown open, scarce a single person of 
five thousand would have left the Prison; it is a notorious fact 
that Capt. Shortland has long sought a plausible pretext to glut 
his revenge and hatred against men whose principles and man- 
ners are so incongruous with those of his countrymen in general 



The 6*^ of April will long be remembered with emotions of 
horror and grief by every American Prisoner, with horror at the 



[ 61 ] 

savage furosity of the milatary headed by Capt. Shortland; with 
grief at the untimely Death of their unprotected and defenceles 

Brethren; w[h]ere ye britons on that day was your 

boasted valour,,, was it displayed in your wanton attack 

on a few defenceless men ; — w[h]ere was your vaunted generosity 
and clemency was it in opening the Prison doors and discharging 
Vollies of musketry at the prisoners within, where was the amity 

and Friendship so lately pledged by your government: 

was it shewn in wantonly murdering those brave and unfortunate 

men who had been struggling for their rights: where 

sleeps the sword of justice, that should revenge our wrongs: 

behold the assasin beneath the protection of despot 

Tyrants, securely tryumph and bid defiance to Justice ; Oh Shame 

where is thy blush ; oh cowardice where is thy confusion 

but know ye bloody butchers of our slaughtered countrymen that 
millions of free born sons of liberty, shall ere long revenge their 
murdered Brethren, Ere long shall the avenging Sword of justice 
leap from its scabbard and bid defiance to tyranny and oppression 

Farewell ye unfortunate friends who fell untimely victims of 
barbarity, no more shall you be partakers of our joy, or the pleas- 
ing companions of our social hours, no more shall the musick of 
festivity or the welcome embrace of those you held most dear, 
dilate your hearts with joy, or attune your souls to harmony and 
love, farewell ye murdered brethren ; the innocent victims of in- 
human assasins. Peace in vain extended her cheering olive, in 

vain did justice Humanity or mercy plead in your behalf. 

in vain did you beg for a moment to prepare yourselves for 
eternity Ye tender and affectionate Parents who are now antici- 
pating the happy return of your affectionate children how will 
the cup of anticipated bliss be dashed to the ground when you 
receive the fatal news of their untimely Deaths; no more shall 
the musick of their voices sound delightful to your ears; no 
more shall their affectionate regards reward the parential care 
of their early youth; well may ye curse the distroyers of your 
happiness, the butchers of your sons 

Ye disconsalate and unprotected widows who with fond 
Solicitude are awaiting to welcome and press to your affectionate 
hearts the partners of your bosoms; how will your hearts throb 
with anguish and your bosoms fill with woe when the tale of 
horror is repeated and their loss confirmed 

Behold the Widows arms extended to embrace the dear 
pledges of their mutual loves while they in lisping accents in 



[ 62 ] 



vain repeat the name of Father, ye helpless orphens babes, no 
more shall ye receive the tender caresses of your affectionate 
father, no more shall ye be dandled on the Knee or receive from 
his glowing hps the kisses of Paternal affection. Ye sons of 
Columbia the Blood of your slaughtered countrymen Cries to you 

from the ground avenge our Deaths 

remember the 6*^ of April AD 1815 



Letters 

from Joseph Valpey Jun*". to His Friends 
in the Hospital 

Dartmoor 

March *^1 1815 



[ 64 ] 

from J Valpey J*" to Josiah G[winn] 

February ^^6 1815 

Dear Friend 

having Not heard from you Since you went into the Hospital 
it makes me feel Very desirous to hear from you I would be 
much Obliedged to you if you would Send me a few Lines And 
Direct it to the N°. 7 Prison Mess N°. 139 

Yours &c Joseph Valpey Jun. 



from Josiah [Gwinn] 

to Joseph Valpey J'" 

February ^^H 1815 

Dear Friend 

I send you a few Lines to Imform you that I am as well as 
can be Expected with the Small Pox I wish that you would take 
care of my Clothes that [you] have in your Possesion So I Re- 
main your Sincere Friend till Death &c 

Josiah Gwinn 
Hospital 

Ward N«. 1 



[fr]om Joseph Valpey Jr 

to Edward A Porter 

Feby- ^no 1815 
Esteemed Friend 

According to promise I Send you a few Line's and as not hav- 
ing heard from you since you Left us I wish that you would 
Enquire after Josiah Gwinn and write to me as soon as you can 
make it Convinent and by so doing you Will Obliedge your's &c 

Joseph Valpey Jun*" 



[ 65 ] 

[from] Edward A Porter 
[to Jo]seph Valpey Jun'* 

N° 5 Ward Feb^ 'Hi 1815 

Dear Friend 

I Improve the Present opportunity to Inform you that I have 
made perticular Enq[uiry] After Mr. Gwinn — I am Imformed 
that his Life is dispaired off I however hope that he may get over 
it I am In hopes to be out in t[he] Course of a week — Sir i wish 
for a little Cash [if it?] were possible to procure it — 

yours E A Porter 



Bibliography 

[Abbatt, William.] Dartmoor Prison and the church memorial. (Maga- 
zine of history, with notes and queries, July, 1910. v. 12, p. 66-69, front.) 

[Andrews, Charles.] The prisoners' memoirs. N. Y., 1815. 

N. Y., 1852. 

Catel, L. La prison de Dartmoor. Paris, 1847. 

Clay, Henry. [Letter to James A. Bayard, London, April 28, 1815. Dart- 
moor massacre and transportation of prisoners to America.] (Amer- 
ican historical association. Annual report, 1913. v. 2, p. 380-382.) 

Cobb, J. A. A younker's first cruise. 1841. 

Dartmoor Prison as it was and as it is. (Fraser's magazine, November, 
1853. v. 48, p. 577-587.) , ^ • t -.* „. 

Reprinted in Eclectic magazine, January, 1854. v. 31. p. 123-131, and m Littell s 

Living age, December 10, 1853. v. 39, p. 671-678. 
Hawthorne, Nathaniel, ed. Papers of an old Dartmoor prisoner. (In 

United States magazine and Democratic review, 1846. New series. 

V. 18-19.) 
McNeel, John Greenville. American prisoners at Dartmoor. (Harper's 

monthly magazine, September, 1904. v. 109, p. 548-555.) 
[Palmer, Benjamin Franklin.] The diary of Benjamin F. Palmer, pri- 

vateersman. N. Y., 1914. (Acorn club, Publication 11.) 



[ 66 ] 

Pierce, Edward L. Communication :— The American prisoners at Dart- 
moor. (Massachusetts historical society. Proceedings, 2d series, 1896. 
V. 10, p. 116-117.) 

[Memoranda about Dartmoor Prison communicated by Justin Win- 
son] (Massachusetts historical society. Proceedings, 2d series, 1892. 
V. 7, p. 17-18.) 

Reminiscences of a Dartmoor prisoner, (/n Knickerbocker magazine. 

1844. V. 23-24.) 
Steele, J. Aulay. America on Dartmoor. (Chambers's journal, June 1, 

1918. [v. 95], 7th series, v. 8, p. 424-427.) 

Thomson, Basil. The story of Dartmoor Prison. London, 1907. 

U. S. 33d Congress, ist session. House. Compensation and bounty land to 
certain American seamen . . . Report . . . Committee on in- 
valid pensions to which were referred the petitions and papers of 
sundry citizens of Maine, Massachusetts and New York, prisoners in 
Dartmoor and other British prisons during the war of 1812. (Report, 
no. 344.) 

U. S. President, 1809-1817 {Madison). Message . . . transmitting 
a report of the Secretary of state ... in obedience to a resolu- 
tion of the House of representatives of the 4th inst., in relation to the 
transactions at Dartmoor Prison in the month of April last, so far as 
the American prisoners of war, there confined, were affected by such 
transactions. January 31, 1816 . . . Washington, 1816. ([State 
papers] 36.) 

Also in American state papers, [Gales & Seaton ed.l Foreign relations, v. 4, 
1834, p. 19-56, under caption, "Great Britain — Massacre at Dartmoor Prison." 
(14th Congress, 1st session, no. 281.) 

Message . . . transmitting a report of the Secretary of state in 

obedience to a resolution of the House of representatives of the 28th 
of February last, on the number of impressed American seamen con- 
fined in Dartmoor Prison ; the number surrendered, given up, or taken 
on board British vessels captured during the late war; together with 
their places of residence. April 29, 1816 . . . Washington, 1816. 

[Waterhouse, Benjamin.] A journal of a young man of Massachusetts, 

late a surgeon on board an American privateer. Boston, 1816. 
, 2d ed., Boston, 1816. 

Fiction 

Phillpotts, Eden. The American prisoner, a romance of the west country. 

N. Y., 1904. 
Reynolds, Joseph. Peter Gott, the Cape Ann fisherman. Boston, 1856. 

Poetry 

Carrington, N. T. Dartmoor : a descriptive poem. 2d ed. London, 1826. 
W., I. H. The Dartmoor massacre. 1815 [Reprint, N. Y., 1911]. (Mag- 
azine of history, with notes and queries. Extra no. IS [pt. 2].) 



Persons and Vessels Mentioned 



Abbot, , 29, 30. 

Abbot, S., 1, 3. 

Abbot, William, 27. 

Abbott, W.. 14. 

Adams, John, 52. 

Adams, Robert, 20. 

Adeline, 52. 

Adigo, Henry, 52. 

Akbar {frigate), 12. 

Alamanza, Amos, 52. 

Alevant, 54. 

Alexander, 54. 

Allen, Asy, 52. 

Allen, Henry, 26. 

Allen, John, 52. 

America (ship), vi, 53, 54. 

Amiable, 53. 

Amos, Peter, 52. 

Anderson, Alexander, 52. 

Andrews, Josiah, 52. 

Ann, 54. 

Appleby, William, 51. 

Appleton. Daniel, 18, 52. 

Archer, Daniel, 18, 31. 

Archer, Samuel, 15, 18, 20. 

Argus (brig), 52, 53, 55. 

Armied, [Armede, Armide] (frigate), 

11 29, 52. 
Ashton, William, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 

22, 23, 25, 26, 27. 
Atwill, Mehitable (Valpey), v. 
Augustine, 53. 
Avon (brig), 43. 

Baldwinn, John, 52. 

Barber, Henry, 52. 

Barlow, Joel, see Joel Barlow. 

Barrett, Jason, 52. 

Barron, Thomas, 52. 

Bayley, Moses, 52. 

Beak, William, 52. 

Beasley, Reuben G., 25, 33, 36, 60. 

Beckford, John, 14, 16, 17. 

Bell, James, 50. 

Benn, William, 52. 

Bentley, William, v. 

Berry, George, 52. 

Berry, Peter, 52. 

Bertram, , 29. 



Blake, William, SO. 

Blanchard, Nicha 52. 

Blasdell, W^illiam, 52. 

Blazed, Phillip, 52. 

Blew, John, 52. 

Blind George, the crier, 18. 

Boden, William, 17. 

Bonaparte, [Napoleon], vi, 25. 

Booth, James, 52. 

Brady, William, 52. 

Bray, Ezikiah [ !], 52. 

Brown, Charles, 52. 

Brutus, 20. 

Bryant, Louis, 52. 

Buisy, 52. 

Bunker Hill, 53. 

Burley, Henry, 52. 

Burton, Clarence Monroe, v. 

Busah, Joseph, 50. 

Butman, John, 52. 

Butman, Nehemiah, 15. 

Butter, John, 52. 

Cambell, George, 50. 

Campeachy, C, 53. 

Cannors, Michal, 51. 

Carney, John, 52. 

Carolina (schooner), 55. 

Carter, William, 53. 

Catharine, see Little Catharine. 

Chadwick, John, 16. 

Chandler, Simon, 52. 

Chapine [?], 52. 

Charlotte (brig), 54. 

Chesapeake (frigate), 52, 55. 

Clarence, 55. 

Clark, Simon, 53. 

Clarke, William, 53. 

demons, Gilbert, vi. 

Codders, Caleb, 50. 

Coffee, John, 52. 

Cole, James, 52. 

Coleman, William, 52. 

Collins, John, 52. 

Constitution (frigate), 30, 43, 48. 

Cook, Benjamin, 52. 

Cook, Samuel, 11, 25, 26, 27. 

Cool, John, 52. 

Cooper, Thomas, 52. 



[ 68 ] 



Cornish, Charles, 52. 
Courier, 53. 
Criterion, 52, 53. 
Crowninshield, Bowdoin B., v. 

Dagget, Thomas, 53. 

Dalton, WilHam, 53. 

Daltram [?], Amo, 53. 

Dart, 54. 

David Porter, 52. 

Davis, Jacob, 50. 

Decator [Decatur, Stephen], 43. 

Denham, Silus [!], 53. 

Diamond, William, 53. 

Dominica {schooner), 54. 

Donouer, William, 53. 

Dotterel (brig), 4. 

Earens, Edward, 53. 

Edsad, William, 53. 

Edwards, W., 11. 

Elbridge Gerry, 53, 55. 

Endymon [Endymion'\ {frigate), 11, 29. 

Enterprise, 54, 55. 

Essex {frigate), 52. 

Eulin, , 17, 22, 26. 

Fairy, 54. 

Favourite {sloop), 23, 24. 

Felt, , 14, 15. 

Felt, George, 26, 27. 

Felt, William, 16. 

Finley, Thomas, 51. 

Fisher, John, 14. 

Flash, 52. 

Flora, 52. 

Ford, Phillip, 50. 

Fowler, Jeshua, 53. 

Fox, S2, 54. 

Freeland, Frances, ^.ee Sir Frances 

Freeland {packet). 
Freely, Henry, 53. 
Frolic k [Frolic], 52, 54, 55. 
Full ford, Ibsr, 53. 
Furnal, William, 53. 

Gailon, John, 53. 
Gale, Edward, 15, 16. 
Gardner, Edward, 50. 
Gardner, Francis, 53. 
Garret, William, 14. 
Garrison, Andrew, 51. 
General Putnam, 17. 



George, see Blind George, the crier. 

Gerry, Elbridge, see Elbridge Gerry. 

Giar, John, 51. 

Gibson, William, 53. 

Glover, John H., 1. 

Goselin, Thomas, 53. 

Gothland, 55. 

Gotier, C, 26. 

Grand Turk, 52, 54. 

Gray, John, 50. 

Gray, William, 11, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 28, 

29. 
Green, Charles, 15. 
Green, Samuel, 15, 17, 25, 28. 
Greeves, Thomas, 53. 
Greyhound, 52. 
Growler, 55. 
Gudman, Franc, 53. 

Gwinn, , tmcle of John Mack, 23. 

Gwinn, Josiah, 11, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 

29, 31, 49, 53, 64, 65. 

Hadison, Silas, 53. 

Harlequin, 52, 55. 

Harper, 53. 

Harriot {brig), 5. 

Harris, Simen [!], 53. 

Harris, William, 53. 

Harrison, James, 16, 20. 

Hartford, Elias, 53. 

Hawk {schooner). 52, 53, 54. 

Haywood, John, 50. 

Heart, Joseph, 53. 

Hendy, Jacob, 53. 

Henry, Jason, 53. 

Hepsa, 53. 

Herald {schooner), vi, 3, 4, 11, 26, 29. 

52, 53, 55. 
Herman, Isaac, 53. 
Hetrope, James, 53. 
Holden, Francis, 53. 
Hope {ship), vi. 
Howard, Frederic, 51. 
Hughes, Richard, 53. 
Hull, [Isaac], 43. 
Hybias, 53. 
Hyder, Dempsey, 53. 

Ida {brig), 11,52, 53,54. 
Independence, 52, 54. 
Industry, 54. 
Ingersoll, John, 15, 26. 
Invincible, 55. 



[ 69 ] 



Invincible Napoleon (corvette), 11, 52. 
Isreal, James, SO. 

Jackson, Thomas, 50, 53. 
Jaires, Thomas, 54. 
Jenkins, Edward, 53. 
Jenkins, John, 54. 
Joel Barlow, 54. 
John {schooner) , 9. 
Johnson, EHsha, 53. 
Johnson, John, 53. 
Johnson, Joseph, 50. 

Jones, , Rev., 23. 

Jones, Jacob, 54. 

Jones, John, 53. 

Jones, Paul, see Paul Jones (schooner). 

Jones, Thomas, 53. 

Joseph, Emanuel, 53. 

Joseph, Peter, 53. 

King, Uriah, 54. 
Knapp, James, 54. 
Knowhon, Enos, 11, 

Lamb, Anthony, 54. 

Lambert, Samuel, 11, 12, 14, 15, 29. 

Lane, William, 51. 

Larkin, Amos, 54. 

Larkin, Lewis, 54. 

Leach, John, 51. 

Lee, Richard, 54. 

Leopatch, John, 54. 

Lester, Jason, 54. 

Levant, 55. 

Leverige, William, 50. 

Lewis, John, 54. 

Lincoln, Edward, 51. 

Lion (sloop), 55; see also Lyon. 

Little, Robert, 50. 

Little Catharine (packet), 7, 8. 

Louis [XVIII], king of France, 25. 

Lovel, Joseph, 54. 

Lovely, Pr., 54. 

Lufkey, James, 54. 

Lyon, 55; see also Lion (sloop). 

McDonald [Macdonough, Thomas], 43. 

McDonough (brig), 54. 

Mack, John, 23. 

Madalem [?], 53. 

Magrath, George, 59. 

Majestic (razee), 11. 

Mamouth [Mammoth], 52, 54. 



Mann, John, 50. 
Mansfield, George, 22. 
Manwell, Annie (Atwill), vi. 
Marchens, Jesse, 54. 
Maria, 55. 
Mars, 54, 55. 
Martial, Saul, 54. 
Martin, Daniel, 54. 
Martin, John, 54. 
Mary (transport?), 53. 
Medoza, Charles, 54. 
Menter, Charles, 54. 
Merchant, 54. 
Mercury, 55. 
Mermaid, 54. 
Merry, John, 54. 
Mesler, Richard, 54. 
Miller, Edward, 54. 
Miller, John, vi, 3. 
Miller, Joseph, 29. 
Millet, John, 17. 
Millet, Joseph, 14, 19, 22. 
Mitchel, Francis, 51. 
Mitchel, John, 54. 
Monkey (schooner) , 1, 11. 
Montgomery, John, 54. 
Moor, Henry, 54. 
Morrison, William, 54. 
Mountcalm, Henry, 51. 
Mudge, Joseph, 54. 

Napoleon, see Invincible Napoleon (cor- 
vette). 
Nash, Daniel, 54. 

Niel, , 16. 

Nonsuch (schooner), 4, 54. 
North Star, 53. 
Norton, Edward, 54. 

Ogleby, John, 50. 
Orene, J., 18. 

Orne, Josiah, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 
24, 26, 27, 28. 

Palmer, John, 54. 
Parker, William, 54. 
Paroga, Joseph, 54. 

Paul, , 24. 

Paul Jones (schooner) , 52, 53, 54, 55. 
Peacock ('sloop). 43. 
Penn, William, 50. 
Penny, Pain, 51. 
Perkins, E., 14. 



[ 70 ] 



Perkins, James, 54. 

Peters, Aaron, 54. 

Peterson, Samuel, 54. 

Phillips, Stephen, 50. 

Phippen, Israel, 14, 15, 17, 21, 24, 25, 26, 

27. 
Phippen, John, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22, 23. 
Phippen, William, 31. 
Picicman, J., 28. 
Pierce, Samuel, 54. 
Piker, 52. 
Pinder, Peter Washington, 14, 16, 18, 19, 

20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. 
Pinkham, Ephra, 54. 
Pitman, Joseph, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 

22, 24, 25. 
Place {brig), 5. 
Pollard, George, 54. 
Porter, Charles, 54. 
Porter, David, see David Porter. 
Porter, Edward A., 15, 18, 20, 23, 25, 26, 

28, 64, 65. 
Portershan [?], S3. 
Potters, G. I., 54. 
Potters, John, 54. 
President {frigate), 22, 52, 53, 54. 

Price, , 21. 

Putnam, see General Putnam. 

Rambler, 53. 

Rattlesnake {brig), 53, 54. 
Reed, David, 54. 
Reindeer, 43. 
Renew, Benjamin, 54. 
Rice, Thomas, 55. 
Richardson, William, 15. 
Ring Dove {sloop), vi. 
Robberts, John, 50. 

Robertson, , 17, 24. 

Robertson, Frank, 55. 
Robertson, Samuel, 55. 
Rodgers, Luke, 54. 
Rolla, 54. 

Saul, Frances, 55. 
Saunders, William, 55. 
Sawyer, Jed, 55. 
Scorpion, 52. 
Scudding, Sa. [?], 55. 
Sew, Jacob, 55. 
Shaw, William, 55. 
Sheldon, Henry, 55. 



Shepherd, [Sheppard, Shepperd], Samuel, 

15, 16, 18, 23, 25, 26. 
Shortland, Thomas George, 19, 21, 27, 

60, 61. 
Shute, William, 18. 
Signet {brig), 5. 
Silsby, Nathaniel, 15. 
Simerma, 52. 
Simmon, Eben*", 55. 
Simpson, Isaac, 55. 
Sinamon, Dan, 55. 
Sir Frances Freeland {packet), 8. 
Siro {schooner), 55. 
Smart, William, 55. 
Smith, Nichol, 55. 
Smith, Thomas, 50. 
Snap Dragon {'schooner), 53, 54. 
Snow, James, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21. 
Steel [?], John, 55. 
Story, William, 25. 
Stow, John, 55. 
Stow, Lewis, 55. 

Strout, , 16. 

Strout, John, 55. 
Strout, Joshua, 18. 
Studdy, Richard, 55. 
Sturtevant, Thomas, Jr., 37, 39. 
Sutton, Martin, 55. 

Swaysey, , 20. 

Syren {brig), 23, 53, 54. 

Tailor, J. B., 55. 
Taylor, John, Sr., 16, 35. 
Taylor, John, Jr., 16, 35. 
Terry, William, 55. 
Thomas, Henry, 55. 
Thomas, Uriah, 55. 
Tickler, 55. 
Timmon, M., 55. 
Tobby, Elijah, 55. 
Tom (schooner) , 53, 55. 
Tomas, John, 55. 
Tomkins, K., 55. 
Tophouse, Sam, 55. 
Trumbull, James, 50. 
Turk, see Grand Turk. 
Tuttle, Francis, 55. 

Upton, Henry, 15, 16, 22, 27. 

Valpey, Edna Gertrude, vii. 
Valpey, Fred, vi. 



J5 



RD-94 



[ n ] 



Valpey, George, 11, 31. 

Valpey, Jennie, vi. 

Valpey, Joseph, Jr., v, vi, 29, 64. 

Valpey, Joseph, Sr., v, vi. 

Valpey, Joseph Hodges, v. 

Valpey, Lewis Nelson, v. 

Valpey, Mehitable (Murray), v. 

Valpey, Samuel, 11, 30. 

Vaughn, K., 55. 

Very, Daniel, 14, 16. 19, 31, 55. 

Victory (schooner), 52, 

Viper, 55. 

Virgis, James, 55. 

Vivid, , prize master of, 21. 

Volunteer, 55. 

Washington, George, birthday celebrated, 

22. 
Washington, John, 50, 60. 
Wa'Sp (sloop), 43, 48. 



Wert, George, 55. 
Whithan, John, 55. 
Whittlebank, Edward, 50. 

Wigging, -, 15. 

Wiggins, Richard, 14, 17. 

Willet, Robert, 50. 

William, 53, 55. 

Williams, James, 55. 

Williams, James, of Gayhead, 55. 

Williams, John, 1, 2, 3, 29, 30. 

Williams, Thomas, 55. 

Willis, B., 1, 3, 29. 

WiUis, James, 51. 

Wilson, Peter, 50. 

Yankey, 54, 55. 

Young, William, 21, 22, 55. 

Zephyr, 53. 



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